The West German electoral system: The case for reform, 1949–87

Abstract

Since the 1960s the question of electoral reform (specifically the introduction of a majority voting system) has not been a live issue in West Germany. The wide acceptance of proportional representation has much to do with changes in political culture ‐ a greater tolerance of conflict and less concern with stability. Foreign observers often treat the West German system as a model. However, the two‐vote system, although seen as maximising electoral choice, is seriously defective: it is confusing, encourages manipulation, and gives voters the false impression of having a greater degree of choice than is actually the case.