Gce Model Questions Vol1 2017 Government Question 40

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) assigns voting power to each member according to the formula: \[\text{Voting Power} = \text{Basic Votes} + 0.5 \times (\text{Quota \%})\] where every member receives the same basic votes equal to \(5.5\%\) of the total voting power, and each 1 % of a member's quota contributes \(0.5\%\) to its voting power. Country X holds a quota of \(2\%\) of the total IMF quota, while Country Y holds a quota of \(3\%\). (a) Calculate the individual voting power percentages of Country X and Country Y. (b) A decision requires at least \(85\%\) of the total voting power to pass. Can a coalition of Country X and Country Y together block the decision? (Recall that a coalition can block a decision if its combined voting power is greater than \(15\%\).) Provide a "Yes" or "No" answer.