How does the Additional Member System ensure that smaller political parties can gain representation?

The Additional Member System (AMS) is designed to offer a more proportional representation in elections, which significantly benefits smaller political parties. One of the key features of AMS is the introduction of a regional list. In this system, voters typically cast two votes: one for a candidate in their single-member constituency and another for a political party on a regional list.

The regional list allows smaller parties, which may struggle to win constituency seats due to their limited support geographically, to still gain representation based on their overall share of the vote within a larger area. Parties that receive a sufficient percentage of the vote across the region can secure one or more of the additional seats allocated from the list, ensuring their views and interests are represented in the legislature. This mechanism encourages a more diverse political landscape and helps prevent the domination of larger political parties, enhancing the democratic process.

The other choices do not capture the essence of how smaller parties can achieve representation through AMS. Limiting the number of parties would be counterproductive, reducing the choices available to voters. Reducing constituency seats would not inherently benefit smaller parties and could diminish overall representation. Additionally, making the voting process more complicated could discourage participation rather than promote it.