Gerrymandering plays a significant role in representation by manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group. This practice can dilute the voting power of certain demographics, undermining the principles of fair representation and equal voting rights. By creating oddly shaped districts, parties can design electoral maps that maximize their advantage and minimize opposition influence. Gerrymandering often leads to increased partisanship and decreased competition, resulting in less accountable governance. Efforts to combat gerrymandering, such as independent redistricting commissions, aim to restore equitable representation and ensure that elections reflect the will of the voters.