Elections: First Past the Post Explained

If a candidate wins only 38% of the votes, how can they still win the election? The answer lies in how First Past the Post, usually shortened to FPTP, identifies the leading candidate rather than requiring support from more than half of all voters. In a fictional constituency, four candidates receive 38%, 32%, 20% and 10%, creating a clear winner even though most votes went elsewhere. The central distinction is between a plurality and an absolute majority.