On 30.11.2011, at 7.23, C.Benham wrote: > Juho Laatu wrote (29 Nov 2011):
>> I'd like to add that IRV is an algorithm for those that want to favour the >> large parties. > > > The main thing that favours large parties is legislators elected in > single-member districts versus some form of PR in multi-member districts. That is pretty much a property of all single-winner methods (when used in that way). > But yes, IRV is a bit biased towards slightly off-centre > candidates whereas Approval has a strong bias toward centrist candidates. I'm not sure if you can say that IRV is biased towards off-centre candidates. If IRV (untypically) elects a minor candidate (with low number of first preferences), that candidate is more likely to be a centrist candidate than an off-centre candidate. If there are three or more major candidates, the the centrists have best chances to win. (In Yee diagram style simulations IRV easily elects off-centre candidates, but that may often be a result of less first place preferences in the (squeezed) centre.) Juho ---- Election-Methods mailing list - see http://electorama.com/em for list info
