The first past the post system of voting is also referred to as

Assessment: JAMB UTME - Government - 2025 Subject: Government

Question 1 Report

The first past the post system of voting is also referred to as

Answer Details

The first-past-the-post (FPTP) system of voting is also known as the simple majority method. Under this system, the candidate who receives the highest number of votes in a constituency wins the election, even if that number is less than half the total votes cast. The winner does not need an absolute majority (more than 50%); a simple plurality (more votes than any other single candidate) is sufficient.

The other options describe different electoral systems:

  • Single transferable vote (STV) - a proportional representation system where voters rank candidates in order of preference, and votes are transferred according to those preferences.
  • Alternative vote - voters rank candidates, and the lowest-ranked candidate is eliminated in successive rounds until one candidate has a majority.
  • Second ballot system - if no candidate achieves a required majority in the first round, a second round (run-off) is held between the top candidates.

The FPTP/simple majority system is used in countries like Nigeria (for some elections), the United Kingdom, and the United States. Its main advantage is simplicity, but it can result in a winner who has less than majority support.

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