As the figures from the 2000 Census are reported, it is clear that previous estimates for minorities have been low in general, indicating the under-representation may be greater than the numbers show.

CNN: Rising minorities find political clout elusive

Assuming it has passed, there will now be a fresh general election, in December, with a more proportional system of representation, in which many more Sunnis are expected to participate.

ECONOMIST: Saddam in the dock as Iraq counts its ballots | The

Whatever the outcome of the referendum, Sunni representation in the next parliament will rise, due to improvements in the voting system to make representation more proportional and because more Sunni groups are expected to take part in December's general election than did so in January's.

ECONOMIST: Ballots amid the bullets and bombs | The

Whenever the federal government is involved in litigation before the Supreme Court, the Office of the Solicitor General handles the representation.

NEWYORKER: Money Unlimited

He also called for a full proportional representation voting system, which he said would mean his party would come second or third in the next general election.

BBC: UKIP considers leadership hopefuls

Mr Blair has promised at some time (though here he is in no hurry) to hold yet another referendum, this one on whether to extend proportional representation to general elections.

ECONOMIST: Britain