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report of the Independent Commission on the Voting System

Established by the Home Secretary in December 1997 under the chairmanship of Lord Jenkins of Hillhead, the Commission had the responsibility of finding the most suitable proportional alternative to the present 'First Past The Post' (or FPTP) voting system.

Their decision will be put to a referendum as a straight choice between it and FPTP. The Commission reported at the end of October 1998 and recommended a mixed system called AV Plus.

The Commission had been set four criteria from which to work. They were to ensure that any system they recommended was:

 

  • broadly proportional
  • extends voter choice
  • ensures stable government
  • retains the constituency link

As part of the consultation process, the Commission held a series of public meetings across the UK, culminating with the largest meeting at Church House, Westminster on 1st July, 1998.

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