Theory question 103
Franchise, Elections and Electoral SystemsSection A: Elements of Government
Explain each of the following electoral systems:
(a) Simple plurality system.
(b) The repeated ballot.
(c) The second ballot.
(d) The alternative vote.
Show the model answer
(a) Simple plurality (first-past-the-post): the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, even without an absolute majority (used in Nigeria and Britain).
(b) Repeated (exhaustive) ballot: voting is repeated, with the lowest candidate dropped each round, until one candidate gets an absolute majority.
(c) Second ballot: if no candidate wins an absolute majority in the first round, a second (run-off) vote is held, usually between the top two candidates (e.g. France).
(d) Alternative vote: voters rank candidates 1, 2, 3...; if no one has an absolute majority of first preferences, the lowest candidate is eliminated and his votes are passed on by next preferences until someone has over half (e.g. Australia's lower house).
Explain each system clearly; an example helps.