Posted by Chester Morton / Wednesday 8 March 2017 / No comments
The disadvantages of an absolute majority system
Introduction
An absolute majority is a system that requires that, in an
election, a candidate must obtain more that 50% of the valid votes cast before
he or she can be declared the winner of that election.
DISADVANTAGES
Voter apathy
The system of absolute majority can lead to voter apathy.
This may happen when there is no absolute majority win in the first round of
voting. In other words, the winner did not obtain more than 50% of the total
valid votes cast and therefore the two front-liners have to go for a second
round of voting. The supporters of the losing candidates may refuse to vote in
the second round because their preferred candidate is not contesting.
Delayed results
Another disadvantage of the absolute majority is that it may unnecessarily
delay the declaration of the final results. This is the case where the election
has to be conducted again because there was no absolute majority winner in the
first round. The second ballot must happen before the final winner is
announced. This is what results in so much delay in the declaration of the
results.
Weaken smaller parties
The absolute majority has been criticized as constituting a
threat to the existence and survival of the smaller parties. This is so because
these smaller parties are always not able to obtain the needed majority (50 %+)
to win any election and therefore have to be at the losing end during every
election.
It is expensive
The absolute majority is very expensive. The process leading
to an election and the conduct of an election is a very expensive venture. To
be compelled to conduct an election again because there was no absolute
majority makes it even more expensive. This is more especially so in Africa
where most countries are relatively poorer.
Promotes electoral fraud
Another disadvantage of absolute majority is the fact that it
promotes electoral fraud. The parties concerned are so bent on winning the
election that they tend to involve themselves in all kinds of electoral vices
to win.
May lead to violence
Absolute majority can result in electoral violence. The
desire, on the part of, especially the major parties, to win at all cost
creates so much tension in the country. Such tension, when not properly handled
can result in political violence of dangerous proportions.
SAMPLE QUESTION
1. a. What is an absolute majority? (2 marks)
b. Identify any
five disadvantages of absolute majority. (10 marks)
2. Highlight six disadvantages of the system of absolute
majority.
