Syro-Malabar Church - New Major Archbishop Election Synod

Votes to be obtained for the Election

As per the Particular Law, “During the ballot the one who obtains two‑third of the votes is elected Major Archbishop, if after five ballots no one gets the required number of votes, absolute majority would be sufficient in the sixth and seventh ballots; but if no one gets absolute majority even in the seventh ballot according to c. 183 §§ 3,4, the votes are cast in the eighth ballot for only those two candidates who have secured the highest number of votes in the seventh ballot (CCEO c. 72 §1).

According to the directive of the Papal Election, “If it is impossible to divide the number of bishops present into three equal parts, for the validity of the election of the Major Archbishop one additional vote is required (No. 62).”

And for absolute majority the votes shall be more than half.

The table provides with information on the number of votes to be obtained for the Election of the Major Archbishop

If Bishop Electors are	For two-third Majority	For Absolute Majority
46	30.66 is to be = 31	Half is 23, to be more, plus 1 =24
45	= 30	Half is 22.5 to be more, rounded = 23
44	29.33 is to be = 30	Half is 22 to be more, plus 1 = 23
43	28.66 is to be = 29	Half is 21.5 to be more, rounded = 22
42	= 28	Half is 21 to be more, plus 1 = 22
41	27.33 is to be = 28	Half is 20.5, to be more, rounded = 21
40	26.66 is to be = 27	Half is 20, to be more, plus 1 = 21