CAMPAIGNERS against the current voting system want to change the “outdated” way we choose politicians.

Green Party activists gained 50 signatures at a stall calling for a shift from First Past the Post (FPTP) in Leytonstone on Saturday, January 27.

They claim that under FPTP, votes are wasted on the majority candidates in ‘safe’ areas where there is only one likely winner.

Activists, who make up the group Make Votes Matter, want a form of proportional representation used in countries like Belgium, Spain and Denmark.

Under a system of proportional representation, a party which gains 10 per cent of the vote would get around 10 per cent of the seats in Parliament.

Opponents of proportional representation argue the system weakens the link between constituents and their MPs.

Voting system activists set up a stall arguing for change in Leytonstone on Saturday, January 27.

Steve Lambert, who organised the stall, said members chose the location with the Labour MP in mind.

He said: “We chose Leytonstone as John Cryer, the local MP, is against improving our present system which is widely seen as out of date for a modern democracy. 

“It was quite a successful day despite the poor weather as we were able to hand out lots of leaflets and got quite a lot of signatures on our petition which will be presented to John Cryer at a later date. 

“This was just the start of our local campaign.”

Types of proportional representation include single transferable vote (STV) and party list proportional representation.

The Guardian has contacted Mr Cryer for comment.