Electoral systems differ in each country due to the wars encountered and or because of the want to transition to a different and more inclusive or exclusive system. The differences in electoral systems is occur though how a vote is casted, the number of seats that are allocated and the electoral formula. The first electoral formula discussed will be about proportional representation that is implemented in South Africa and Rwanda. Proportional Representation is the allocation of seats based on the percentage that an individual or political party obtains in an electorate. The main purpose is to represent the different opinions of the voters and to ensure that citizens feel as though their vote counts and that individuals are represented in parliament. The reason in which why South Africa implemented this type of electoral system in 994, was to make sure that everyones vote was heard, especially since some people were voting for the first time. South Africa prior the 994 elections had excluded black people as well as women in the voting system during the apartheid regime. The threshold in South Africa in order to receive a seat in parliament is 0.25% in the national electorate. Thresholds make for larger parties, which in turn is the operative variable in increasing women legislative representation (Lindberg S, pg 34). The African National Congress is good example of a large party in which is now making active steps to include minority groups to represent a more diverse political party. The ANC has made a self-imposed gender quota that must be met. From the introduction of the proportional representation in 994, the number of women in parliament has grown steadily. The quota is that 30% of women must make up the ANC. Majority of the women in parliament come from the ANC. 47% of ANC are currently filled by women. Due to the gender quota, ANC dominated whilst DA only has 28% women (Peoples Assembly). This also applies pressure to other political parties to improve on the ratio of women to men. In the recent candidates, women in political leader positions can be seen in the DA, and EFF. Canidates include women such as Patricia Buyisile Baloyi, Bontle Veronica Moaji from DA and Busisiwe Gladys Mafareka, and Mpho Desieree Thari in the 206 Municipal Elections. This high number of number of women in parliament has resulted in South Africa to be ranked 4th in the world of women representation. Although the focus on women is great, it can be said for other min
ority groups to get representation in parliament. The proportional representation allows for ethnic groups to also arise and be represented in parliament especially in a diverse society such as South Africa. South Africa has roughly 7 ethnic groups black, white, Indian, colored, Asian and mixed races between the 6 ethnic group. In proportional representation, although small, the minorities of the countries are represented. PR increases the likelihood that smaller parties are able to secure seats (Ishimaya T, pg 67). Political parties such as the VF who are primarily concerned with protecting Afrikaans rights, freedom and protection have a low number seats in parliament. Another minority party is the Minority Front which initially wanted to represent minority ethnic groups but now primarily is concentrated with Indian support. There is however a great concern that extremist groups may be able to obtain seats in parliament. Although no quota has been expressed to the amount of different races in the group required, it is evident that in such a diverse country in order to maintain power, one must branch out to groups outside the party. Another country in which uses proportional representation is Rwanda.
Rwanda is ranked number in the world for the amount of women that are represented and elected into parliament. In the aftermath of the genocide between the Hutu and Tutsi people of Rwanda, active steps were made to make governance to be more inclusive of women by the Rwandan Patriotic Front. This political party was led by Paul Kagame in trying to put women in high level positions such as ministers, secretaries of state, Supreme Court justices, and parliamentarians. A gender quota has too been established in Rwanda which states that 30% for the inclusion of female representatives in all decision-making bodies. Rwanda has broken the record of women to be represented in parliamentary levels. Women are currently sitting at 64% representation in parliament (Eweniyi O). In both case studies although both have been dominating political parties show that larger political groups tend to make their values more inclusive of women although they differ in how women were brought into parliament differently. While this is a huge celebration for both South Africa and Rwanda, there still hasnt been a female president. Another electoral system that has shown improvement in the representation of women is show in Kenya through the first over the pass electoral system.