superenemmistö

Superenemmistö, or supermajority, is a decision rule in which a proposal must be approved by a voting threshold higher than a simple majority. The required share is typically two-thirds (about 66.7%) or three-fifths (60%), though the exact fraction is defined by the applicable constitution, statute, or organizational rules. Some systems count only votes cast, while others require a majority of all members whether or not they vote.

Common areas of application include constitutional amendments, certain international treaties, or major organizational decisions such as the removal of officials or overriding a veto. The aim is to ensure broad consensus for decisions with far-reaching consequences, thereby protecting minority interests and providing stability during political change.

Critics argue that supermajorities can slow reform and enable obstruction by a narrow coalition. Proponents contend they prevent hasty or ill-considered changes and reflect durable legitimacy.

Different jurisdictions prescribe different thresholds and mechanisms. For instance, many constitutions demand a two-thirds vote for amendments, and some require an additional referendum. In legislative practice, supermajorities are also used to end debate (cloture) or to convict in impeachments in some systems, requiring 3/5 or higher votes.

Origin: the term comes from Latin super and majoritas, and is translated as "supermajority" in English; in Finnish the term is superenemmistö.