In a parliamentary vote MPs indicate whether they agree or disagree with a proposition. When the Speaker invites them to do so, they shout “aye” or “no” and the Speaker records their votes in a ballot called a division. A majority is needed to win a vote of confidence, or for the government to be defeated on a motion of censure. It is also possible for MPs to abstain from voting.
Most parliaments are elected on the basis of constituencies, with voters having one vote per constituency. Candidates usually represent political parties, but independents can stand. Some countries use proportional systems (e.g. the AV+ system recommended by the Jenkins Commission) or ‘party list’ systems that allow people to vote for a party rather than an individual candidate, but with weaker constituency links.
The political party that wins the most seats in a parliament typically forms the new government, and its leader becomes Prime Minister. Other ceremonial executive roles are carried out by a monarch in monarchies, or by an elected president or Chancellor in presidential or parliamentary republics.
The rules of the House of Commons provide opportunities for members of recognised opposition parties to respond to Ministers’ statements, propose motions on allotted or opposition days, and chair committees. They also provide for recognised opposition leaders to sit in the front row of the Chamber, to be first to speak on questions during Question Time, and to be given the floor to respond to Ministers’ replies on matters of urgent public importance.
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