Electoral and popular votes  By Rob Richie Published June 23rd
2006 in Washington Times  Electoral and popular votes  The
Washington Times has had two editorials this month about
presidential elections in Latin America that are instructive for
the value of establishing majority thresholds for winning
executive offices.   The most recent editorial, "Nicaragua's
election" (Monday) points out that in Nicaragua, the required
vote for avoiding a runoff has declined from 45 percent to 35
percent — down to a level where it will be easier for Sandinista
leader Daniel Ortega to win if his opposition is fractured, as
may happen in this November's election. In contrast, as you
pointed out on June 4 ("Peru's front-runners," Editorial ), Peru
has a majority runoff requirement that was necessary for more
centrist candidate Alan Garcia to overcome front-runner Lt. Col.
Ollanta Humala, a left-leaning nationalistbackedby Venezuelan
President Hugo Chavez.  A majority requirement does not mean
left-leaning or right-leaning cand