Observation

This was a popular question. The performance of candidates that attempted the question was good as they understood the demands of the question. Some of the candidates scored low marks in part (b) by writing skimpy answers without further explanation. However, candidates are to provide the following points in order to score good marks.

1.  This is an electoral system where the candidate who secures the highest number of votes even though he might not have secured an absolute majority of the votes cast, is declared elected and the winner in an election.
   


2. 1. It simplifies voting procedures.  There is no difficulty in the counting of votes, collation and declaration of results.
   2. It is less expensive/cheap to adopt.  No expenses incurred on second or repeated ballot.
   3. It does not waste time. The winner is declared immediately after counting of votes.
   4. It ensures political stability thereby reducing tension and anxiety of waiting for further ballot.
   5. It makes the winner more responsible and accountable to the constituents.
   6.   It is practicable in both the literate and illiterate communities.
   7. It discourages the proliferation of unviable political parties.
   8. It is a transparent process thereby discouraging electoral violence.
   9.   It prevents the need for the formation of coalition government.
   10.   It produces a clear cut winner and produces a clear cut majority for a particular political party.
   11. It ensures effective governance and strong opposition.
   12. It discourages too many independent candidates from standing in an election.