An electoral system in which the winner must secure more than 50% of the vote is described as a/an

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the name of the electoral system in which a winner must get more than 50% of the votes cast.

Step 2: Explain the concepts

• Plurality system (first-past-the-post): The candidate with the most votes wins, even if that is less than 50%. For example, 35% can be enough if the others get less.
• Proportional representation: Seats are shared among parties according to the share of votes each party gets. It is not about one candidate passing 50%.
• Absolute majority: The winner must get more than half (over 50%) of all valid votes. If no candidate achieves this, a run-off or second round is often held. Nigeria's presidential election uses a related idea, where a candidate needs the highest votes plus at least 25% in two-thirds of the states.
• Electoral obligation: This is not a recognised electoral system.

Step 3: Apply to the options

• A. Plurality: needs only the highest number of votes, not over 50%. ❌
• B. Proportional representation: seats follow vote share. ❌
• C. Absolute majority: needs more than 50% of the vote. ✅
• D. Electoral obligation: not a real system. ❌

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. an absolute majority.

Tip: Remember the keywords:

• Plurality = Plenty (most votes), not necessarily over half
• Absolute majority = Above half (>50%)

A "simple majority" is often confused with the two. It usually means the same as plurality, i.e. more votes than any other candidate.