THE POLITICS OF ELECTORAL-REFORM IN BRITAIN

The debate about electoral reform in Britain has experienced periodic revivals, as critics have challenged the established system of first-p ast-the-post. The debate has revolved about how British elections tran slate votes into seats, and how representative elections should work: whether priority should be given to the principle of strong government or ''fairness'' to minor parties and social groups. The article concl udes that despite a heated debate, prospects for reform are uncertain in Britain, since public opinion about this tissue remains ambivalent; there are no provisions for binding referendums; and the opposition r emains divided about the most appropriate alternative.