FACULTY OF BUSINESS, GOVERNMENT AND LAW

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Student ID number

U3147014

Student name

Sonam Gyamtsho

Unit name

Institutions of Law and Government

Unit number

9582 G

Name of lecturer/tutor

Prof. Robin Tennant Wood

Assignment topic

The Electoral Systems: Bedrock for Democracy

Due date

24th April 2015

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Date of submission: 18 April 2015

Date: 18/04/2015

Unit 9582
Institutions of Law and Government
The Electoral Systems: Bedrock for Democracy
Introduction
(Aarts & Thomassen, 2008, p. 1) in their journal recount elections as instruments of
democracy; instrumental in linking the preferences of citizens to the behavior of
policymakers (Powell, 2000). But I doubt, without strong and credible electoral systems in
place, elections would be a waste of resources to any democratic country.
We often say that the good governance is the bedrock of productive and peaceful societies.
But one must not forget that the electoral systems are the product of principles and
characteristics. (Gallagher & Mitchell, 2006, p. 1) mention that electoral systems matter a lot,
as they are a fundamental connection in the chain connecting the preferences of citizens to
the policy choices made by governments. The electoral systems thus are a fundamental part
of democratic governance.
This paper attempts to look at how electoral systems as social institutions work in
collaboration with other institutions like government, media and defense force, its core
functions and purposes. The paper also tries to present the values of the electoral systems in
relation to Bhutans guiding philosophy Gross National Happiness.

The Electoral Systems in functioning Democracy

Democracy is the fundamental right of every human being. Democracy guarantees the
ultimate voice of every person to be heard and promised. But can democracy be successful
without a well set up electoral system in place? The significance of electoral systems in the
functioning democracy is better explained by (Toornstra, et al., 2011, p. 6) in this way:
the elections are a key component in fostering democracy because they
enhance citizens participation in governance, ensure government accountability
and encourage political competition. The electoral process is the ultimate
symbol and act of modern democratic societies. Elections alone do not
guarantee democracy but they are vital for democracy to exist, to operate and to
be strengthened further.
The electoral systems are the product of principles and characteristics. (Gallagher & Mitchell,
2006, p. 1) write that electoral systems do matter, as they are a fundamental connection in the
chain connecting the preferences of citizens to the policy choices made by governments. The
electoral system thus is a fundamental part of democratic governance. The electoral system
indeed is the chief characteristic of a democracy. A successful democracy depends on the
sound electoral systems in place.
One of the primary purposes of the electoral system is to ensure free and fair election with
guaranteed security for the voters. (Toornstra, et al., 2011, p. 5) state that the function of the
electoral system is to improve the electorates participation and the inclusiveness of the
democratic process.
The electoral system as an institution differs from countries to countries. However, the basic
functions of the electoral systems of different countries remain the same. The most prominent
and accredited core function of many of the electoral systems through out the globe is to
ensure free, fair and credible elections. (Toornstra, et al., 2011, p. 6) suggest that in order
for the elections to be free and fair, the system that controls the election process must be
democratic. This truly reinforces the significance of the electoral system as an independent
institution that is purely based on the principle of fair and free conduct.
The electoral systems in any country play pivotal and significant role in the facilitation and
assessment of legislation. However, the systems must be designed in the most befitting ways.
(Toornstra, et al., 2011, p. 8) share that the suitably designed electoral systems facilitate
government accountability. Further they also share that the effectiveness of the governance
would rely not only on those who are in power but also on those who oppose and oversee
them. In their words, (Toornstra, et al., 2011, p. 8) say

the electoral systems should help ensure the presence of a viable opposition
grouping, which can critically assess legislation, question the performance of
the executive, safeguard minority rights and represent its constituents
effectively.
The electoral systems in any country must, within the executive of its own judicial authority,
impede the development of a winner takes all attitude. It must not allow ruling majorities to
be blind to other views and the needs and desires of opposition voters. The electoral systems
in any country thus possess power to impede and facilitate. It must stand for both equality
and justice.
The electoral systems in numerous countries will happen in many different ways. The
electoral systems do not possess universally agreed international standards for elections. But
there is consensus that such standards include as for (Toornstra, et al., 2011, p. 9)
(a) the principles of free, fair and periodic elections that guarantee universal
adult suffrage; (b) the secrecy of the ballot and freedom from coercion; and
(c) a commitment to the principle of one person, one vote (or equal
number of votes).
The electoral systems in any country therefore contain power to exercise for justice
and equality.
By the virtue of being an independent institution, the electoral systems do require to interact
with other institutions in the daily administrative functioning. (Gallagher & Mitchell, 2006, p.
1) are of the opinion that in the representative democracies, electoral systems are the central
political institutions. And (Benoit, 2004, p. 1) reveals that the electoral systems are
commonly treated as exogenous determinants of political party systems. Their thoughts
display the need for collaboration with other stakeholders and institutions.
The electoral systems as political institutions in any democratic country need to collaborate
with other institutions such as media and defense. In order for the electoral mandates to be
fulfilled, stakeholders must be educated and oriented. The electoral systems must therefore
gain the confidence and trust of the citizens. To have a healthy democracy, it is very crucial
to have balanced and unbiased electoral systems in place.

(Birch, 2008, pp. 305-320) says

that the legitimacy of the electoral process is crucial for the establishment and maintenance of
a healthy democracy.
Media undoubtedly play a critical role in the electoral systems. Media provide conduit
necessary for all kinds of communication that helps societies exist and function. (Machleder,

2013) in an interview with Local Voices Global Change of International Foundation for
Electoral Systems states,
a free and independent press is a cornerstone of democracy, as it helps promote
political debate and keeps government accountable to an informed citizenry. A
free press is also crucial for credible elections, as it fosters the free exchange of
ideas and provides information on the electoral process. This includes political
parties, candidates and their platforms.
Media therefore play crucial roles of watchdog, peace building and voter education. (Kupe,
n.d) in his report mentions media -channels of communication, as the lifeblood of the
democratic process. He writes the media must also keenly observe actual voting as well as
the counting & announcement of results to prevent fraud.
The electoral systems require the collaboration and support of defense, which can facilitate
the resolution of disputes that may arise throughout the electoral process. To ensure the
effective resolution of electoral dispute, there is the need to provide for a conflict resolution
system linked to the electoral process. (Hounkpe & Gueye, 2010, p. 14) point out that when
the electoral processes are managed in a free, fair and equitable manner, they contribute to
peace and stability in democratic systems. The need to ensure an adequately secured
environment during the electoral process is an important component in the organization of
free, transparent and fair elections. One way that the defense can contribute to electoral
process as (Hounkpe & Gueye, 2010, p. 16) say is by ensuring safety of the electoral process
and create a quiet and safety environment to enable citizens to take part in elections without
fear or intimidation before, during and after voting. (Hounkpe & Gueye, 2010, p. 25) further
reiterates the role of security as to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, the security
forces are responsible, at every stage of the process, for the protection of persons and
property, election materials, officials and institutions involved in the process.
The electoral system must have confidence and reflect values. It should possess legitimacy.
Legitimacy on the whole represents fairness, equality and transparency (Anon., n.d). These
values are indeed the values GNH propagates. (Ura & Penjore, 2008) write GNH as a
holistic and sustainable approach to development which balances between material and nonmaterial values with the conviction that humans want to search for happiness.
GNH, when firmly placed in the context of a universalised ethical framework, represents
meaningful choices, stability and tolerance. (Ura & Penjore, 2008) claim that all
understandings of national obligation would have to be radically expanded if harmony and
happiness are to be genuinely secured. These are indeed the values propounded by the
electoral systems in any democratic nation.

Conclusion
The electoral systems in any democratic nation are one of the most important institutions.
They define and configure the rules of the political game; they help determine who is elected,
how a campaign is fought, the role of political parties, and most importantly, who governs
(Reynolds, et al., 2005-06). Furthermore, good electoral systems help to engineer specific
outcomes, such as to encourage cooperation and accommodation in a divided society.
However, I do not recommend any electoral system as a panacea; it is only one element of
democratic governance and one of many factors ensuring democracy and stability.
(Toornstra, et al., 2011, p. 7) remark that democratic governance is much more than the
electoral systems, but electoral systems do constitute an essential choice in it, which in turn is
capable of shaping patterns of representation, party system formation, political stability and
government efficiency.
The good electoral systems, however, in any democratic election, had acted as a springboard
for successful democracy. Democracy has indeed taken roots and shapes with the electoral
processes that had enjoyed confidence and trust of the citizens. (Reynolds, et al., 2005-06)
subsume the importance of electoral systems in todays context as one of the most influential
of all political institutions, and of crucial importance to broader issues of governance.

References
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Anon., n.d. Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform. [Online]
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Benoit, K., 2004. Models of Electoral System Change. Electoral Studies, Volume 23.
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