• THE approach of elections calls forth discussion of the best kind.

The debate is typically between first-past-the-post (FPTP: winner takes all) and proportional representation (PR: all must have prizes).

But there are other systems too, notably, runoff elections (best known in France).

All compete with one vote each and whoever gets 50 per cent or more of the total wins. But if no one gets 50 per cent or more there is a runoff vote between the two candidates having had the most votes: the one who gets more this time wins the election.

This seems to me to combine the best of FPTP and PR. As has often been said, the first time you vote with your heart, the second time with your head.

Between the first and second votes all sorts of negotiations take place as the two leading contestants try to woo voters for the previous candidates. I think it’s worth a try.

ROBERT ILSON, NW3