Peruutuskierros

Peruutuskierros, also known as a "re-election" or "run-off election," is a type of election system used in some countries to determine a winner when no candidate receives a majority of votes in the initial election. This process is typically employed when the first round of voting does not produce a clear winner, often due to a fragmented political landscape or a high number of candidates.

In a peruutuskierros, only the top candidates from the initial election, usually the two with the most votes, advance to a second round. This second round is conducted within a specified time frame, and the candidate who receives the most votes in this round is declared the winner. The purpose of the peruutuskierros is to ensure that the elected official has the support of a majority of the electorate.

The peruutuskierros system is used in various countries, including some in Latin America, such as Peru and Colombia. It is designed to provide a more decisive outcome and to prevent the need for a third or subsequent round of voting, which could be logistically challenging and costly. However, it also has its critics, who argue that it can sometimes lead to a "spoiler effect," where a third candidate's presence in the initial round can split the vote and benefit a particular candidate in the second round.

The peruutuskierros system is just one of many electoral systems used around the world, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important for voters to understand the specific rules and implications of the electoral system in their country to make informed decisions during elections.