flertalsvalg

Flertalsvalg, also known as plurality voting or first-past-the-post (FPTP), is an electoral system where voters cast a single vote for one candidate, and the candidate who receives the most votes wins. This system is commonly used in elections for legislative bodies and single-member districts. The candidate with the highest number of votes, even if it is not a majority of all votes cast, is declared the winner.

The simplicity of flertalsvalg is often cited as a major advantage. It is easy for voters to understand and for election officials to administer. In systems with single-member districts, flertalsvalg typically results in a two-party system, as smaller parties struggle to gain enough support to win any seats. This can lead to more stable governments, as it often produces clear winners and avoids the need for complex coalition negotiations.

However, flertalsvalg also faces criticism. A significant drawback is that the winning candidate may not have the support of a majority of the electorate, meaning that a large proportion of voters may have cast a vote for a losing candidate. This can lead to a perception of wasted votes and can underrepresent smaller parties and minority viewpoints. Furthermore, flertalsvalg can encourage strategic voting, where voters cast their ballot not for their preferred candidate, but for a less-preferred candidate who has a better chance of winning. This can distort the true preferences of the electorate.