UK Government, the Law and Your Role
What does "first past the post" mean in UK elections?
AThe first candidate to formally declare their candidacy automatically wins the seat
BThe candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, even without a majority ✓
CParties receive seats in proportion to their total national share of all votes cast
DVoters rank every candidate in order of personal preference from most to least favoured
Explanation
"First past the post" means the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins the seat — even if they don't have more than 50% of the votes. This system tends to produce clear majorities in Parliament.
mediumfirst past the postelectionsvoting
Test yourself on this topic
Earn XP and track your progress
Practice Tests