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B. The Merits and Demerits of the FPTP System

(i) Simplicity

4.6.1. The most significant advantage of the FPTP system is its uncomplicated nature. The FPTP is the simplest form of the plurality/majority system, using single-member districts and candidate-centred voting. 153 Moreover, the FPTP system allows voters to choose between people as well as parties, with voters having the opportunity to assess the performance of a candidate rather than having to accept a list of candidates presented by a party, as under the list system.154

153. Constituent Assembly Debates (Proceedings), Vol. VII, Chapter 3, p. 35.

154. Constituent Assembly Debates (Proceedings), Vol. VII,Chapter 3, p. 37.

4.6.2. This system, however, is thought to result in an increase in election expenditure, since every candidate is required to reach out to the electors on an individual as well as a party basis.155

155. Paul L. McKaskle, Of Wasted Votes and No Influence: An Essay on Voting Systems in the United States, 35 Hous. L. Rev. 1119