Why was proportional representation considered a weakness?

Proportional representation is viewed as a weakness primarily due to its tendency to create weak coalitions and lead to frequent elections. In systems utilizing proportional representation, political parties gain seats in the legislature in proportion to the number of votes they receive. This often results in no single party achieving a clear majority, compelling multiple parties to form coalitions in order to govern.

These coalitions can be unstable as they may include parties with differing agendas and ideologies, making it challenging to achieve consensus on legislation. Disagreements can lead to a lack of cohesive policy direction, which can frustrate both lawmakers and voters. Additionally, such instability often triggers frequent elections as coalition governments may collapse, thereby necessitating new elections to establish a functioning government. This cycle can lead to voter apathy, disillusionment with the political process, and an overall perception of inefficiency in governance.

In contrast, systems favoring clear majority rule tend to support more stable, single-party governments, allowing for more decisive law-making.