Highlight three merits and any three demerits of a simple majority system of voting

Explanation

(a)The advantages of Simple majority system of voting are:

(i) The system is very simple to operate.

(ii)It makes it easy for the election results to be ascertained.

(iii)The system discourages the formation of coalition government.

(iv) It makes elected candidates to be responsible and accountable to the electorate.

(v) It is economical to operate.

(vi) It ensures the emergence of a stable government.

(b)The disadvantages of Simple majority system of voting are:

(i) It is sometimes undemocratic because it neglects the wishes of the majority of the voters as majority votes are wasted.

(ii) Majority ethnic groups can use their majority strength to secure simple majority at the expense of the minority groups.

(iii) It encourages election rigging in order to secure highest number of votes.

(iv) It encourages gerrymandering.