1.4.1. First past the post System/Plurality System

In elections held under FPTP, each voter makes a mark next to one candidate on the ballot paper or on the Electronic Voting Machine. This system is a “plurality” voting system i.e. the candidate who secures the highest number of votes in that constituency is declared elected. It is important to note that in this system whoever has more votes than all other candidates is declared elected. The winning candidate need not secure a majority of the votes. This is the method of election prescribed by the Indian Constitution for most of the elections. The problem with this system is that it follows a winner takes all approach i.e. The votes that go to all the losing candidates are wasted. For instance, if a party gets only 25% of the votes in every constituency, but everyone else gets even less votes. In that case, the party could win all the seats with only 25% votes or even less. This leads to a large section of electors without representation.