first-past-the-post

British  

noun

1. (modifier) of or relating to a voting system in which a candidate may be elected by a simple majority rather than an absolute majority Compare proportional representation

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first-past-the-post

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Copenhagen examined proportional representation and first-past-the-post systems.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 2, 2026

The researchers compared electoral systems around the world, including the UK's first-past-the-post model and the proportional systems used throughout much of Europe.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 2, 2026

The results of Thursday's local elections suggest that it may see the country's first-past-the-post electoral system operate in an unfamiliar manner too.

From BBC ● May 9, 2026

Under the first-past-the-post electoral system, the candidate or candidates with the most votes in each seat are elected.

From BBC ● May 9, 2026

Under first-past-the-post, what matters is not the absolute share of the vote that a party enjoys but rather how well it has performed compared with other parties.

From BBC ● May 9, 2026