supermajoritate

Supermajoritate, or supermajoritate in Romanian, is a voting threshold higher than a simple majority (more than 50 percent) required to adopt a decision. The exact percentage is set by constitutional provisions, statutes, or the rules of a legislative body, and can vary from one jurisdiction to another.

Common thresholds include two-thirds (about 66.7%), three-fths (60%), or three-quarters (75%). Some systems use other fixed percentages or combination rules, such as a majority plus a specified minority, to ensure a broader consensus. Supermajority standards are frequently applied to decisions with substantial or lasting effects.

Typical uses include constitutional amendments, ratification of international treaties, certain impeachments or removals from office, and major organizational changes such as mergers, bylaw amendments, or changes to governance structures. In many legislatures, these thresholds are intended to protect minority interests and ensure broad support beyond a simple party-line vote.

Implications of a supermajority rule include greater difficulty in passing controversial measures, increased need for cross-party cooperation, and potential for legislative gridlock. Proponents argue that it guards fundamental arrangements and minority rights, while critics contend that it can impede timely policymaking or entrench unpopular provisions. In practice, the impact of a supermajority rule depends on the specific context, including political dynamics, the design of exceptions or temporary rules, and the availability of coalitions or referenda.