The Misconception of Democracy and the Two-MP Formula: A Philosophy of Genuine Democracy

By Philosopher Advocate A. N. M. Essa
Proponent of the Two-MP Formula and the Philosophy of Genuine Democracy
Democracy is generally defined as the rule of the majority. However, in practice, the electoral systems operating in many countries do not truly represent the majority of the people. In reality, governments are frequently formed with the support of only a minority of the total electorate.
Consider a common electoral scenario. On average, approximately 40 percent of registered voters do not participate in elections. Of the remaining 60 percent who cast their votes, the winning candidate may receive around 51 percent of the votes cast. This means the winner has secured the support of only about 31 percent of all eligible voters. The runner-up, receiving approximately 39 percent of the votes cast, represents about 23 percent of the total electorate.
Therefore, a candidate who governs with the support of merely 31 percent of all voters cannot reasonably be described as representing the majority of the people. Yet, under the existing democratic framework in many countries, this is widely accepted as “majority rule.” I consider this a fundamental misconception of democracy.
To address this democratic deficit, I propose the Two-MP Formula. Under this system, each constituency would elect two Members of Parliament: the candidate receiving the highest number of votes and the candidate receiving the second-highest number of votes.
Using the above example, the first candidate represents approximately 31 percent of voters and the second candidate represents about 23 percent. Together, they represent around 54 percent of the total electorate. Consequently, parliamentary representation would reflect the views of an actual majority of citizens.
This, in my view, is Genuine Democracy or Substantive Democracy.
The philosophy has another important dimension. In many developing democracies, changes of power often lead to political violence, retaliation, boycotts, instability and violations of human rights. Houses of defeated candidates are attacked, properties are burned and family members suffer intimidation and abuse. Such practices are inconsistent with the principles of civilisation and democracy.
Under the Two-MP Formula, both major political forces in a constituency would have parliamentary representation. Voters on both sides would feel that their voices have been heard and their votes have not been entirely wasted. This arrangement could significantly reduce political hostility, post-election revenge and the tendency to reject election outcomes.
The objective of democracy should not merely be to declare winners and losers. The true purpose of democracy is to maximise representation, promote political coexistence and ensure peaceful transfers of power.
The Two-MP Formula is therefore not simply an electoral proposal. It is a humanistic, inclusive and representation-based political philosophy. Genuine democracy will emerge only when power ceases to be the monopoly of a minority and instead reflects the collective voice of a true majority of the people.
“A system in which one-third of the electorate can govern the entire nation should not be considered the final form of democracy. Democracy must evolve toward a system that genuinely represents the majority of its citizens.”
— Philosopher Advocate A. N. M. Essa date; 04.04.2000