(a) What is a simple majority system? (b) Outline four demerits of the system.

Answer Details

(a) Meaning of a simple majority system

A simple majority system, also called the first-past-the-post or plurality system, is an electoral method in which the candidate who scores the highest number of votes cast in a constituency is declared the winner, whether or not that number amounts to more than half of the total votes. The winner need only secure more votes than any other single candidate; he does not need an absolute majority (more than fifty per cent) of all votes cast.

(b) Four demerits of the system

1. It can produce a minority winner: Where several candidates contest, the winner may be elected with far less than half of the total votes, so that a majority of voters actually voted against the winner.
2. It wastes many votes: All votes cast for the losing candidates count for nothing, so a large section of the electorate ends up with no representative of its choice.
3. It does not ensure fair representation: A party may win a large share of the national vote yet secure very few seats, so seats won do not accurately reflect the votes obtained.
4. It encourages a two-party dominance: Small parties find it difficult to win seats, which discourages minority parties and narrows the range of choice for voters.

Another demerit is that it may encourage electoral malpractice and gerrymandering, since only a plurality is needed to win a seat.