The parliamentary vote is the way that most countries with a parliament choose their leader. It allows all parties, large and small, majority and minority, to receive representation, which minimizes the tensions that can build up in society between groups of people. The head of state has a strong check on the legislative branch, however, and can veto legislation.
Parliamentary elections are held every five years, with voters choosing a Member of Parliament (MP) to represent them in the House of Commons at Westminster. MPs debate a range of issues, including those that affect Cheltenham and across the country, and hold the government to account.
In some parliamentary systems, the rules of parliamentary procedure are used to ensure that only legitimate motions are debated. One such rule is tabling, which postpones discussion of a subject until the group decides to resume it by majority vote. Another is a requirement that any amendment to the main motion must relate to its intent and cannot defeat it.
In most parliamentary systems, the party that wins the most votes in each electoral district forms a governing coalition with other parties to form the Cabinet. Voters cast two votes, one for their constituency representative and one for a list of candidates in order of preference. The candidate with the fewest first preference votes is eliminated and their votes are transferred to second preferences. This process continues until the required number of seats is filled. Some parliamentary systems have additional checks on the legislative branch, such as fixed-term parliaments or a requirement for a 2/3rd supermajority to vote for an early dissolution.