Concept in Definition ABC

Ballotage is a loan from the French language, specifically from the word ballotage. In some American countries, ballot is the term by which an electoral candidate is appointed through a second round system. Thus, between the two candidates who have received the most votes in an election, the ballot system is applied to elect one of them.

In Spain this word is not used for an obvious reason: there is no second round as an electoral procedure, although it must be remembered that there is currently a debate social on the advisability of introducing this system, since often some candidates with little popular support can achieve power through pacts with other political groups.

Considerations on voting as an electoral system

An electoral system implies a set of rules, which allow a series of restrictions and opportunities. The ballot system allows a candidate for the presidency of a country has the support of the majority and, consequently, it is considered that this modality grants a greater

legitimacy democratic (as a general criterion the ballot implies obtaining more than half of the votes cast).

The ballot has a peculiarity: that a candidate can obtain the victory in a first round, but not obtain the victory in the second. On the other hand, the ballot is normally used only in the event that the candidate has not obtained an absolute majority in the first round.

The formula election of the double round or ballot is ingrained in those countries with a traditionpolitics presidential, for example, France, Argentina, Chile or Bolivia. Proponents of this mechanism consider that it is better than the relative majority formula, somewhat which is quite common in countries where many parties attend elections democratic.

In some cases, the ballot exists as a mechanism but has not been applied or only in an exceptional way (in the 2002 presidential elections in Coast Rica was used for the first time, as it had not been necessary before).

Strategies to unify votes

A relevant characteristic of the ballot is the fact that it encourages coalitions between different formations. If there were no second round, it is understood that the creation of political alliances is more difficult.

Another aspect associated with this electoral system is the strengthening of the two main parliamentary fronts, the group of winners and that of losers. These two fronts or groups have been forced to form from the fact of the second round. This circumstance does not imply a bipartisanship but rather the polarization of two fronts made up of several parties.

Although the ballot has a series of positive characteristics, some analysts consider that it also incorporates some drawbacks. In fact, the double turn supposes the forced union of opposing forces and this is considered a weakness democratic or an artificial alliance.

Ballot Issues