Ballotage is a term that is frequently used in the context of political elections. It refers to a situation where no candidate receives an absolute majority of the votes. In such cases, a second round of voting is conducted between the two candidates who received the most votes in the first round. This process is known as a runoff election. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and origins of ballotage.
Definitions
Ballotage refers to a system of voting where a candidate must receive an absolute majority of votes in order to be elected. If no candidate achieves this in the first round of voting, a second round is held between the two candidates who received the most votes. This process is also known as a runoff election.
Origin
The term ballotage has its origins in the French language. It is derived from the word “ballot,” which means a piece of paper or card used in voting. The suffix “-age” is used to indicate a process or action, so ballotage refers to the process of voting.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ballotage is “the second round of an election in which voters choose between the two candidates who received the most votes in the first round.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines ballotage as “the process of holding a second round of voting between the two candidates who received the most votes in the first round, when no candidate has received an absolute majority.”
Associations
Ballotage is associated with political elections, particularly those in which a candidate must receive an absolute majority of votes to be elected. It is also associated with the concept of democracy, as it ensures that the candidate who is elected has the support of a majority of voters.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of ballotage include:
- Runoff election.
- Second round of voting.
- Re-vote.
- Deciding ballot.
- Tiebreaker.
Antonyms
Antonyms of ballotage include:
- Absolute majority.
- First-past-the-post.
- Plurality.
The same root words
The same root words as ballotage include:
- Vote.
- Election.
- Majority.
Example Sentences
- The election resulted in a ballotage, and the two leading candidates will face a runoff election.
- The winner of the election must receive an absolute majority of votes, or else a ballotage will be held.
- The ballotage was closely contested, but the incumbent was able to secure a victory in the second round of voting.