Supermeerderheid

Supermeerderheid, also known as supermajority, is a political term that refers to a voting requirement greater than a simple majority, typically more than 50% of votes. It is used in various contexts to ensure that decisions require broader support or consensus among members of an organization, such as a legislature or a corporation.

In parliamentary systems, supermeerderheid is often used for constitutional amendments, budget approvals, or other significant decisions. For example, in the Netherlands, a supermajority of at least 75% of votes is required to amend the constitution. This threshold is designed to prevent hasty or populist changes to the fundamental laws of the country.

In corporate governance, supermeerderheid is used to protect minority shareholders from being overwhelmed by the decisions of a majority shareholder. A supermajority vote is often required for significant corporate actions, such as mergers, acquisitions, or changes to the articles of association.

Supermeerderheid can also be used in referendums or plebiscites to ensure that a decision is supported by a broad consensus of the population. For instance, in Switzerland, a supermajority of at least 50% of votes and a majority of cantons is required to amend the federal constitution.

While supermeerderheid can enhance decision-making quality and protect minority interests, it can also slow down the legislative process and make it more difficult to implement popular policies. The specific threshold required for a supermajority varies depending on the context and the rules established by the organization or country in question.