directelected

Directelected is a term used to describe a candidate or official who has won an election through direct popular vote. This means that the voters themselves cast ballots to choose their representative, rather than indirectly through an electoral college or other appointed body. The concept of direct election is fundamental to many democratic systems, emphasizing the principle of popular sovereignty.

In a direct election, the candidate who receives the most votes, or a majority of votes depending on the electoral rules, wins the office. This is in contrast to systems where electors are chosen first, and those electors then cast the final votes for president or other high offices. Direct elections are often seen as a more straightforward and transparent method of representation, as the will of the people is directly translated into electoral outcomes.

Many countries utilize direct elections for their national legislatures, such as parliaments or congresses. Similarly, numerous sub-national governments, including states, provinces, and municipalities, also employ direct election for their leaders and representatives. The fairness and legitimacy of an elected official are often closely tied to the directness and transparency of the electoral process. Debates surrounding electoral reform sometimes focus on increasing the scope of direct elections or ensuring their integrity.