Centripetalism, sometimes called integrationism,[1] is a form of democratic power sharing for divided societies (usually along ethnic, religious or social lines) which aims to encourage the parties towards moderate and compromising policies and to reinforce the center of a divided political spectrum.
Vote pooling occurs when politicians need to attract voters from the different groups in order to win the elections.
The most famous examples come from Fiji (1997-2006), Northern Ireland (June 1973 to May 1974), Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka,[2] Indonesia, Kenya, and Nigeria.
[9][10] One of the main problems of the theory is the lack of empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of centripetalism.
[12] O'Leary also notes that "centripetal vote-pooling institutions unfairly privilege the majority or largest group; politicians from such groups have to pool fewer votes to win office than do politicians from smaller groups.”[13] McGarry also criticises that centripetalism tends to leave hardliners outside of the political system, which polarizes the political environment, making it impossible for moderates in the government to compromise.