Majority System

Definition

A majority system is an electoral system in which a candidate must receive more than 50% of the votes to win. If no candidate achieves this in the first round, a runoff election may be held between the top two candidates.

Related terms

Single-Member District:

In a single-member district, each geographic district elects only one representative to a legislative body.

Plurality System:

In a plurality system, the candidate who receives the most votes wins, even if they do not receive an absolute majority of votes.

Runoff Election: A runoff election is held when no candidate obtains an absolute majority in the first round. The top two candidates compete again in a separate election to determine the winner.