The plurality and majority systems of representation are two commonly used electoral systems in democratic countries. These systems are employed to elect representatives in legislative bodies like the House of Representatives or Parliament.
The plurality system, which is also known as the first-past-the-post system, is the most widely used system worldwide. In this system, voters cast their ballots for individual candidates running in a district, and the candidate with the highest number of votes is declared the winner. Although this system is simple and easy to understand, it has a tendency to favor two-party systems and may result in the election of a candidate who does not have majority support.
Get the full solved assignment PDF of BPSC-133 of 2022-23 session now. Click here to download and guarantee top marks! Plus, browse our store for solved assignments of all IGNOU courses.
On the other hand, the majority system, also referred to as the runoff system or two-round system, is employed in some countries, including France and many Latin American countries. In this system, if no candidate obtains a majority of votes in the first round, a second round is held between the two candidates with the highest number of votes. The candidate who wins the second round is declared the winner. This system guarantees that the winning candidate has a majority of support from voters, but it can be costly and time-consuming to hold two rounds of elections.
Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. The plurality system tends to produce quick and clear results, but it can result in a winner who does not have majority support. The majority system ensures that the winning candidate has majority support, but it can be more complex and expensive to implement. Ultimately, the choice of electoral system depends on the specific needs and circumstances of each country or region.