(a) What is a simple majority system?
(b) Outline four demerits of the system.
Explanation
a. This is an electoral system in which the candidate with the highest number of votes is declared the winner in an election
b. i. Sometimes it works against the wishes of the majority of the voters
ii. Smaller parties have little chance of winning election.
iii. The system does not reflect clearly the strength of the political parties.
iv. It is undemocratic because the combined votes of losers may exceed that of the winner
v. It gives a wrong impression about the popular-ity and legiimacy of the winner
vi. It promotes ethnicity in national politics
vii. It may encourage the election of mediocre candidates
viii. It is easier,to Manipulate/rig elections conducted under this system
ix. It gives room for gerrymandering