What is the principle behind Proportional Representation, particularly in the context of the Single Transferable Vote (STV)?

The correct answer reflects the essence of Proportional Representation (PR) and the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, which is designed to allocate seats in a manner that corresponds directly to the number of votes each party receives. This ensures that all parties gain representation in proportion to their overall support among the electorate, promoting a more democratic reflection of voter preferences.

In the context of STV, voters rank candidates in order of preference instead of voting for just one candidate. When votes are counted, a candidate must meet a specified quota of votes to be elected. If a candidate achieves this quota, any surplus votes they receive can be transferred to other candidates based on the voters' preferences. This method not only gives due weight to every vote cast but also helps to ensure that minority parties have a realistic chance of winning seats, maximizing overall representation.

The other options do not encapsulate the principle of PR effectively. Simply stating that every party must receive a minimum number of votes does not address how votes translate into seats or how preferences are used in the allocation process. Ignoring voter preferences would undermine the fundamental aim of PR, which is to reflect the diverse views of the electorate. Lastly, ensuring a majority for major parties contradicts the principle of proportionality