An answer is sought to the following two questions: (1) what is the influence of the electoral system on the cooperation between political parties and (2) how do the voters get an opportunity — in... Show moreAn answer is sought to the following two questions: (1) what is the influence of the electoral system on the cooperation between political parties and (2) how do the voters get an opportunity — in case of party-cooperation — to influence cabinet formation and cabinet policy? After a brief survey of electoral systems, the following four of these are closely analyzed: proportional representation as it exists today in the Netherlands, proportional representation within several independent districts (a moderate form of proportional representation) relative majority system within triple districts, (triple district system) and the absolute majority system within single districts with the possibility of a second round (district system). The assumption is made that political parties will cooperate only if they can thus gain more seats than they would if they fought the election on their own. The author then reaches the following conclusions: (1) If proportional representation in the Netherlands is changed into some form of district system, chances will increase that the political parties will cooperate. This does not mean, however, that the influence of the voters with regard to cabinet formation and cabinet policy will increase at the same time. (2) That influence could only increase if formation and policy of the next cabinet are made into an issue at the elections. This means that a number of political parties would have to form a nation-wide combination, which would fight the elections on a clear and workable platform. Chances that the latter would happen, would diminish, if a form of district system were introduced in the Netherlands. Show less
