(a) What is an absolute majority system? (b) Identify any five disadvantages of the system....

Explanation

(a) The Absolute majority system is an electoral requirement or format by which a candidate has to score more than 50% of the total votes cast before being declared elected.

(b) (i) It cannot work very well where most of the voters are illiterate.

(ii) It is complicated as it involves a lot of calculations and administrative bottlenecks.

(iii) It is costly or expensive both in time and finance especially when the process of voting is repeated.

(iv) The result of the election is unnecessarily delayed if a winner could not emerge after the first balloting.

(v) Voters whose candidates are dropped in the first ballot may not wish to participate in the second ballot, leading to voters apathy.

(vi) The system tends to weaken other smaller political parties.

(vii) It encourages electoral malpractice.

(viii) It can lead to political tension and violence.