In a single-member parliamentary constituency election using the First-Past-The-Post electoral system, a total of 100,000 valid votes were recorded across four candidates as follows:
- Candidate P: 35,000 votes
- Candidate Q: 30,000 votes
- Candidate R: 20,000 votes
- Candidate S: 15,000 votes
Which statement accurately describes the electoral outcome under this system?
- Candidate P is declared winner because they obtained the highest number of votes, irrespective of obtaining an absolute majority.Answer
- BA run-off election must be conducted between Candidate P and Candidate Q because Candidate P failed to score over 50,000 votes.
- CThe election result is declared nullified because the total combined votes of opposition candidates exceed Candidate P's tally.
- DCandidate P and Candidate Q must share the single seat proportionally based on their vote counts.
Answer
Candidate P is declared winner because they obtained the highest number of votes, irrespective of obtaining an absolute majority.
Under the First-Past-The-Post electoral system (also known as simple plurality), a candidate only needs to receive more votes than any other individual candidate in a single-member constituency. Obtaining an absolute majority (more than 50% of total votes cast) is not required. Candidate P secured 35,000 votes, which is higher than Candidate Q's 30,000, Candidate R's 20,000, and Candidate S's 15,000, making Candidate P the winner.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
First-Past-The-Post (Simple Plurality) System Mechanics
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