Supermayoría

Supermayoría refers to a voting threshold that is higher than a simple majority, typically requiring more than 50% of the votes cast. This concept is commonly found in legislative bodies and constitutional frameworks. A simple majority usually means more than half of the votes present and participating, while a supermajority often requires two-thirds or three-quarters of the votes.

The purpose of requiring a supermajority is to ensure broader consensus and prevent a simple majority from enacting significant or controversial changes without wider agreement. This mechanism is often employed for decisions such as amending constitutions, overriding presidential vetoes, removing officials from office, or approving certain treaties.

Different types of supermajorities exist, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific action being taken. For instance, a two-thirds supermajority is a common requirement for overriding a veto, while a three-quarters supermajority might be needed for constitutional amendments. The exact definition and application of supermajority rules vary by country and by the specific rules of legislative bodies. The rationale behind its implementation is to safeguard against hasty decisions and to promote deliberation and compromise.