If you could choose a voting system for the UK, which would it be? First-past-the-post (FPTP) or proportional representation (PR)?

The existing system in the UK is FPTP, which normally results in a clear winner, giving one party an overall majority of seats.

PR gives smaller parties a chance to win some seats, and therefore gives better representation of minority views.

The UK's Independent Commission on Electoral Reform has now published a report that favours this alternative voting system.

Lord Jenkins' verdict recommends a system called 'alternative vote plus', but does not propose a change to be made before the next general election.

Earlier in the week BBC News Online's Talking Point asked you if PR really gives power to the people. You can read the reaction we received by clicking here.

Do you think the voting system in the UK needs shaking up, or do you think the current system is fine as it is?

The Labour Party and the cabinet are known to be deeply split over whether to ditch the FPTP system and replace it with a system that more accurately reflects the proportion of votes cast.

Electoral reformers point out that the existing method gives distorted results, when votes cast are compared to the proportions of parties at Westminster.

Supporters of the current system say the change would lead to weak government and destroy the link between the MP and constituency.

Opponents also point to the costs of re-educating voters to a new system and that it may put people off voting altogether.

What do you think?

PR: Will it work for the UK?

Your reaction in full

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