In a parliamentary system, voters elect members of parliament (MPs) to sit in the House of Commons at Westminster and represent local people. The political party that wins the most seats selects its leader as prime minister, who then forms a cabinet of departmental ministers. If no one political party gains enough votes to form a government, then a coalition of parties takes over.
MPs usually vote according to their parties’ policies and instructions. However, on occasion an issue may cause MPs to go against their party whip and rebel against the party line. This is very rare and can anger the party machine but it’s also a vital part of democracy that allows individuals to take responsibility for their own decisions.
At the end of a debate, the Speaker – the person who leads the House of Commons and/or the Senate – invites MPs to show their position on an issue by shouting ‘aye’ or ‘no’. If the shouts of ‘ayes’ or ‘noes’ are clearly louder, then the Speaker declares that side has won. If they are equally loud, or if it is not clear which side has the majority of voices, then a division is called.
The Presiding Officer then asks MPs who want to vote for the proposal to move to the right of their chair, and those who want to vote against to move to the left. The votes are then counted and the result is announced.