Enamushääletus

Enamushääletus, also known as majority voting, is a fundamental electoral system where a candidate or proposal wins if they receive more than half of the votes cast. This is often referred to as an absolute majority. In systems employing enamushääletus, if no candidate achieves this threshold in the initial round, a second round of voting, or run-off election, is typically held. The run-off usually involves the two candidates who received the most votes in the first round, with the winner of the second round being the one who secures the majority of the votes cast in that subsequent election.

This system is designed to ensure that the elected official or approved measure has broad support from the electorate. It contrasts with plurality voting, where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not achieve a majority. Enamushääletus can be implemented in various contexts, including presidential elections, parliamentary systems, and referendums. Its primary advantage is its perceived legitimacy, as the winner demonstrably has the support of more than half of the voters. However, it can also lead to situations where a significant portion of the electorate does not vote for the winning candidate, especially if the field of candidates is large in the first round. The logistical complexities of a potential second round of voting are also a consideration.