ABSTRACT
For various reasons, however, assorted other electoral systems have been introduced in recent years. Th e reasons include trying to bolster popular support for devolution in Scotland and Wales; ensuring representation for the diff erent communities in Northern Ireland; complying with European Union regulations; and keeping the Liberal Democrats in a governing coalition with Labour in Scotland. Th e eff ect is that the former hegemony of FPTP has long gone and the UK has become a veritable laboratory for anyone interested in the operation and impact of diff erent electoral systems. Th ose currently in use are listed in Table 7.1 and briefl y explained in Box 7.1 .
