A multi-member constituency is used to facilitate the operation of

Analyze the question: The question asks which electoral system relies on a multi-member constituency, meaning one constituency that elects more than one representative.

Explain the concept:

• Single-member constituency: One seat per constituency. This is used in simple majority (first-past-the-post), absolute majority and second ballot systems. The winner is one person.
• Multi-member constituency: Several seats per constituency. Parties win seats in proportion to the votes they get, so this is the basis of proportional representation (PR). For example, if a constituency has 5 seats and a party wins 40% of the votes, it gets about 2 seats.

Go through the options:

• A. Absolute majority: The winner needs more than 50% of the votes. This only makes sense when one candidate wins one seat, so it is not the answer.
• B. Functional representation: Representatives come from occupational or interest groups such as labour, professionals and traders, not from geographic constituencies, so it is not the answer.
• C. Proportional representation: Seats are shared according to the share of votes won. This needs several seats per constituency, so it is the answer.
• D. Second ballot: A run-off is held when no candidate wins a majority in the first round. It is used for a single seat, so it is not the answer.
• E. Simple majority: The candidate with the most votes wins one seat. It is not the answer.

Answer: C. Proportional representation

Exam tip: Link "multi-member" with "proportional". Several seats in one constituency make a fair share of seats for parties possible. Link "single-member" with "majority/plurality" systems.