How Vacant Seats Could Change Parliamentary Power Balance

In any parliament, the power of any party is defined by the number of seats it occupies in the lower chamber. When four seats are declared as vacant, it will alter that balance- particularly if the vacant seats were occupied by Members of Parliament (MPs) who are need by the ruling or the opposition government.

If these seats belong to the MPs who were able to support the rule party in parliament then this may hamper the ability of the government to pass other bills. The government most often requires a parliamentary majority to enact its measures. Without those MPs, it can reduce it to a tiny majority and have to rely on other minor parties or holders of seat reserved for independents. Some people believed that this could actually bring about more bargaining, and therefore, compromise, which in a long run affects the speed at which decisions are made.

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On the other hand, if the vacant seats were occupied by the oppositions, the ruling government can feel more comfortable since the opposition is dismantled of its power to frustrate or delay bills.

Nevertheless, being by-elections or appointments intended to fill these vacancies will attract attention because the latter can change the number in Parliament.

In conclusion, the lack of MPs combined with necessary votes makes a big deal to a parliamentary majority which in turn determines how smooth the government can move.

Source: Xtrememediaonline.com