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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Example Sentences

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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

Even first-past-the-post cannot be relied upon to avoid the prospect of minority or coalition government if electoral support is shared across a plethora of parties.

From BBC ● May 9, 2026

The Holyrood voting system is a mix of first-past-the-post and proportional representation - making it harder for a party to secure a majority than in a Westminster election, for instance.

From BBC ● Apr. 18, 2026

Reform UK, meanwhile, is a more curious case from a Welsh perspective: it came second under the winner takes it all first-past-the-post vote in the Caerphilly by-election, getting 36% of the vote.

From BBC ● Nov. 19, 2025