FPTP vs Proportional Representation

First-Past-The-Post (FPTP)

In the FPTP system, each constituency elects one representative. The candidate who gets the most votes wins — even if they don't get a majority (more than 50%).

Advantages of FPTP

• Simple for voters to understand — vote for one candidate
• Creates a direct link between the elected representative and the constituency
• Tends to produce clear election outcomes

Disadvantages of FPTP

• Votes for losing candidates are "wasted"
• Can lead to a party winning a majority of seats with less than a majority of total votes
• Smaller parties and minority groups may be underrepresented

Proportional Representation (PR)

The PR system in Nepal uses closed party lists. Parties receive seats proportional to their share of the total PR votes nationwide.

Advantages of PR

• More proportional outcomes — a party getting 20% of votes gets roughly 20% of PR seats
• Better representation for women, Dalits, indigenous groups, and minorities (mandated by law)
• Encourages multi-party representation

Why Nepal Uses Both

The mixed system aims to combine the constituency accountability of FPTP with the inclusive representation of PR. The PR list must include women, Dalits, indigenous groups (Adivasi Janajati), Madhesi, Tharu, and persons with disabilities.

Nepal's constitution mandates that at least one-third of representatives from each party should be women.