To what extent is First Past the Post a viable electoral system?

First Past the Post, also commonly known as FPTP, is the main majoritarian system used in the UK. It has many effects, including usually resulting in a single party government, which therefore results in a strong government. The most important effect of FPTP is the election of a stable government that can stay in power for the full term, and govern effectively while also seeing decisions through. On this basis, FPTP has both positives and negatives in its nature. The first benefit that arises from the FPTP system is the certainty that it will result in a government being elected. This is because the voting is done on plurality’s, which means whichever party gets the most votes in their constituency wins. This structure of voting means that even if you get a low turnout, you will still get a government. For example, in 2001 the turnout for the general elections only reached 59.4%, but a Labour government was still elected. In order for turnout to be high, there needs to be a clear and simple electoral choice. With FPTP, there is, as there are normally only 5 parties to choose from, with only 2 being real contenders- Labour and Conservatives. Although some people might argue that a choice between 2 parties is limited, it could actually lead to tactical voting. Tactical voting is where instead of voting for your preferred party, you vote for the one which is ‘least bad’. Although it might not be their favourite party, it is still one that they support, and by voting for them have crucially given the party the right to govern, making them a strong government as they have the support of the people. Furthermore, FPTP usually leads to the election of a single party only. (When a party gains enough votes and seats to govern alone) Since 1935, no party has gained an absolute majority, but only