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arXiv · 2311.02279

Algorithms for Proportional Representation in Parliament in Divisor and Multiplicative Form

Raul Rojas
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Abstract

We consider three algorithms for allocating parliamentary seats by proportional representation. The usual approach to describing such algorithms is to compute a quota of votes that each party uses to "acquire'' representatives. This kind of description follows a divisor method, since the number of representatives for a party is equal to the number of votes for that party, divided by the quota. We show that a simple multiplicative form with different rounding methods produces algorithms equivalent to the divisor methods. The multiplicative form is intuitive and easier to understand for a wider audience.

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Raul Rojas. 2023-11-04. Algorithms for Proportional Representation in Parliament in Divisor and Multiplicative Form. https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.02279

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