Definition: "First past the post" and "single member plurality" describe the Canadian electoral system. In each electoral district or riding, the candidate with the most number of votes in an election wins a seat in the House of Commons, or the legislative assembly in provincial and territorial elections. The leader of the party which wins the highest number or seats, rather than the party with the highest percentage of the overall vote, is asked to form the government.
Also Known As: FPTP
