Theory question 103
Franchise, Elections and Electoral Systems(a) What is an absolute majority system?
(b) Identify any five disadvantages of the system.
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(a) An absolute majority system is an electoral system in which a candidate must win more than half (over 50%) of the valid votes cast to be elected; if no one does, a second ballot (run-off) or other method is used.
(b) Any five: costly because of repeated ballots; time-consuming and delays results; voter apathy/fatigue at the second round; may encourage bargaining and corrupt alliances between rounds; may lead to violence and tension during run-offs; parties may manipulate the second round; small parties get eliminated; can produce a winner who was not the voters' first choice.
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