STV vs FPTP Explained
We don't yet know the specifics of how Your Party will conduct the CEC election, but this is generally how STV elections work.
STV is a proportional voting system used in multi-member constituencies.
Voters rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, etc).
To be elected, a candidate must reach a set number of votes called the quota.
First-preference votes are counted first.
Any candidate who reaches the quota is elected.
If a candidate has more votes than the quota, their surplus votes are transferred to voters’ next preferences.
If no one reaches the quota, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes are transferred to next preferences.
This process repeats until all available seats are filled.
The key idea is that votes are rarely “wasted”, because they can move to another preferred candidate if the first choice cannot win or no longer needs them.
How First Past the Post (FPTP) works
FPTP is a winner-takes-all system used in single-member constituencies.
Voters select one candidate only.
The candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not have a majority.
All other votes have no effect on the outcome.
The primary differences
Voter choice: STV allows ranking of candidates; FPTP allows only one choice.
Representation: STV produces more proportional results; FPTP often exaggerates majorities.
Wasted votes: STV minimises wasted votes; FPTP discards all losing votes.
Outcomes: STV encourages broader appeal and cooperation; FPTP favours large parties and tactical voting.
Constituencies: STV uses multi-member seats; FPTP uses single-member seats.
In short, STV aims to reflect voters’ preferences more accurately, while FPTP prioritises simplicity and decisive outcomes at the cost of proportionality.