The national election system in Australia is known for its democratic and representative nature. Here are some key aspects of the Australian electoral system:
1. Electoral Structure: Australia follows a federal system of government, with elections conducted at both the national and state/territory levels. The national legislature, known as the Parliament of Australia, consists of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
2. House of Representatives: The House of Representatives is the lower house of the Australian Parliament. It consists of 151 members known as Members of Parliament (MPs). Each MP represents a specific electoral division, also known as a seat. The number of seats allocated to each state and territory is based on population size, with a minimum of five seats for each state and two seats for each territory.
3. Senate: The Senate is the upper house of the Australian Parliament. It has 76 members, with 12 senators representing each state and two senators representing each territory. Unlike the House of Representatives, senators are not assigned to specific divisions or electorates. Instead, they are elected through a system of proportional representation.
4. Voting System: Australia employs a preferential voting system, specifically known as the Instant-Runoff Voting (IRV) or Alternative Vote. Under this system, voters rank the candidates in order of preference by numbering them on the ballot paper. To be elected, a candidate must secure an absolute majority of the votes (50%+1). If no candidate achieves an absolute majority in the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed based on the next preference until a candidate reaches an absolute majority.
5. Compulsory Voting: Voting in federal elections is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 and above. Failure to vote without a valid reason can result in a fine. This ensures high voter turnout and promotes the idea of civic participation.
6. Australian Electoral Commission (AEC): The AEC is an independent statutory authority responsible for the administration and oversight of federal elections. It manages the electoral roll, conducts elections, and educates the public on electoral matters.
Election Timing: The Prime Minister of Australia has the authority to determine the timing of federal elections, within certain legal limits. The maximum term for the House of Representatives is three years, but elections can be called earlier.
Overall, the Australian national election system aims to ensure fair representation, inclusivity, and transparency in the democratic process.
