Which statement correctly describes plurality vs proportional representation in Mexico?

Which statement correctly describes plurality vs proportional representation in Mexico?

• A. Plurality allocates seats to the party with the most votes nationally
• B. Plurality awards seats to the candidate with the most votes in a district; proportional representation allocates seats based on party vote shares
• C. Proportional representation awards seats to the candidate with the most votes in a district
• D. Mexico uses only proportional representation

Answer: (B)

In Mexico, elections for the Chamber of Deputies use a mix of two methods. In each single-member district, the candidate who wins the most votes takes the seat—that’s plurality, a winner-take-all approach at the district level. Separately, seats are also allocated to parties based on their overall vote shares in the party vote, which is proportional representation. That combination means most deputies come from district contests, while a portion are awarded to parties in proportion to their vote totals, filling those seats from party lists. This is why the description that matches the system is: plurality determines district seats for individual candidates, while proportional representation assigns seats based on party vote shares. The other statements misstate how seats are awarded or how Mexico's system operates, including the idea that Mexico uses only proportional representation or that PR seats go to district winners.

In Mexico, elections for the Chamber of Deputies use a mix of two methods. In each single-member district, the candidate who wins the most votes takes the seat—that’s plurality, a winner-take-all approach at the district level. Separately, seats are also allocated to parties based on their overall vote shares in the party vote, which is proportional representation. That combination means most deputies come from district contests, while a portion are awarded to parties in proportion to their vote totals, filling those seats from party lists.

This is why the description that matches the system is: plurality determines district seats for individual candidates, while proportional representation assigns seats based on party vote shares. The other statements misstate how seats are awarded or how Mexico's system operates, including the idea that Mexico uses only proportional representation or that PR seats go to district winners.