c. Alternative Vote System/Preferential Voting System/Single Transferrable Voting System

In elections held under the Alternative Vote, each voter may rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3 etc.). After marking their first preference, voters may then choose to express further preferences for as many, or as few, candidates as they wish.

The count begins by allocating votes in line with first preferences. If a candidate has an

“absolute majority” – more than 50% – of the votes after this allocation they are elected.

If no candidate has an absolute majority, then the candidate in last place is eliminated and their votes are reallocated according to the next highest preference expressed on each ballot paper; if a voter has not marked a preference for any candidate that remains in the contest, then the ballot paper is set aside from the count.

This process continues until a candidate has an absolute majority of the votes left in the count, and is elected. This system of proportional representation by single transferable vote is used for the election of the President of India and elections to Rajya Sabha seats.