Which term defines the voting system that requires majority support from both Unionists and Nationalists?

The term that defines the voting system requiring majority support from both Unionists and Nationalists is known as Parallel consent. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of Northern Ireland's political landscape, where the voting system is designed to ensure that both communities have a say in decision-making processes. Parallel consent helps to foster a more inclusive government by requiring that a measure not only receives a majority of votes overall but also significant support from both the Unionist and Nationalist communities.

In contrast, majority rule typically refers to a system where the option receiving the most votes wins and does not take into account the need for representation from both communities. Proportional representation focuses on allocating seats or representation in accordance with the percentage of votes received, but doesn't necessarily require cross-community consent. Simple majority refers to a situation where a candidate or proposal can win with just over half the votes, which may not be sensitive to community divisions. Parallel consent, therefore, is tailored specifically to accommodate the unique socio-political context of Northern Ireland.