Re: [ICANN-EU] Electoral Rules

[Alexander Svensson <svensson@icannchannel.de>]

Hi Christian!

> The "Preferential Vote System" will be used, which means that
> participating members can *rank* the candidates, if they whish.
> So far so clear, but here it comes:
> If no one gets a majority of first-ranked-votes, the least-ranked-
> candidate gets eliminated. Then the votes of the eliminated
> candidate get redistributed to the *second ranked candidates*.
>
> If I do understand it correctly: This system helps the second ranked
> candidate, if no clear decision by the electorate is being made.

I'm not sure if that's right. "Second ranked" doesn't
refer to the /overall/ ranking, but to the ranking of
each individual voter. So, yes, it can help my second
ranked candidate (which may be your first ranked).

E.g.
First round:
Voter_A ranking:  1.W 2.X 3.Y 4.Z
Voter_B ranking:  1.X 2.W 3.Z 4.Y
Voter_C ranking:  1.Y 2.W 3.X 4.Z
Voter_D ranking:  1.X 2.W 3.X 4.Z
Voter_E ranking:  1.Y 2.W 3.X 4.Z

Result: No candidate has the absolute majority
of first rankings. Candidate W is eliminated, because 
W has least first rankings. 

Now voter A's first ranking changes to X, which
was previously A's second ranking:
Voter_A ranking:  1.X 3.Y 4.Z

Thus, candidate X wins in the second round: He 
has got three first rankings (from A, B and D), 
whereas candidate Y has only got two first rankings 
(from C and E).

Disclaimer: That's just how I understand it. ;)
Do correct me if I'm wrong!

This (Alternative Vote) system is used in some 
Australian elections, and you can find official
information at
http://www.aec.gov.au/pubs/electoral_systems.htm#majoritorian

This system obviously isn't the easiest, but it seems
to prevent surprise "lucky third" winners that profit
from a split vote between candidates with similar
positions.

Best regards,
/// Alexander

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