WAEC Government 2010 Theory — Question 5

Model answer

Disadvantages of the absolute majority system: (i) When none of the candidates score half of the total votes cast, a run-off election (second or third election) will be conducted for the two leading candidates. (ii) The system is unfair to 'third' parties. Political parties that came third in the first ballot are not considered in the second ballot. (iii) The holding of another election considered in the second ballot increases the cost of another election. (iv) It is complex in terms of computation of results compared with other electoral systems. (v) The two candidates in the run-off election are often defeated in the run-off election after being defeated in the run-off election, in order to gain the support of their supporters. This makes politics very expensive, costly, and tiresome for voters.