In the United Nations General Assembly there are 193 member states. A resolution requires a two‑thirds majority of members present and voting. The membership is grouped as follows: Bloc X - 45 members (all vote in favour), Bloc Y - 30 members (all vote against), Bloc Z - 20 members (will vote in favour only if at least 10 independent members also vote in favour). The remaining 98 members are independent; of these, 55 intend to vote in favour, 30 against and 13 will abstain (abstentions are not counted as present and voting). All bloc members are present.

(a) What is the minimum number of independent members that must vote in favour for the resolution to pass?
(b) If Bloc Z decides to vote against, what is the new minimum number of independents required to achieve a two‑thirds majority? Show all calculations.

Question

In the United Nations General Assembly there are 193 member states. A resolution requires a two‑thirds majority of members present and voting. The membership is grouped as follows: Bloc X - 45 members (all vote in favour), Bloc Y - 30 members (all vote against), Bloc Z - 20 members (will vote in favour only if at least 10 independent members also vote in favour). The remaining 98 members are independent; of these, 55 intend to vote in favour, 30 against and 13 will abstain (abstentions are not counted as present and voting). All bloc members are present.

(a) What is the minimum number of independent members that must vote in favour for the resolution to pass?
(b) If Bloc Z decides to vote against, what is the new minimum number of independents required to achieve a two‑thirds majority? Show all calculations.

Accepted Answer

(a) All 55 independents must vote in favour (giving 45 + 20 + 55 = 120 votes). (b) With Bloc Z against, at least 75 independents would be needed, which is impossible given only 55 are willing, so the resolution cannot pass.

Gce Model Questions Vol1 2021 Government Question 38

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