Allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference aims to reduce spoilers and incentivize coalition-building. Critics cite complexity and voter confusion.
Pros:
- It can eliminate “spoiler” effects and ensure majority support.
- It encourages candidates to seek broader appeal.
- It reduces negative, attack-style campaigning.
Cons:
- Ballots and counting procedures become more complex.
- Voter education and trust in results may lag.
- Smaller parties fear dilution of their base support.
Conclusion: Ranked-choice voting promotes majority consensus but must be paired with strong voter outreach.