In an election between two candidates, y% of the voters did not vote. 10% of the votes cast were declared invalid, while all the valid votes were cast in favour of either of the two candidates. The candidate who got 59.375% of the valid votes cast was declared elected by 2484 votes. If the number of people eligible to vote in that election was 16,000, what is the value of y?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. 8.
Let's assume the total polled votes = 100
Total valid votes = 100 × (90/100) = 90
Total no. of votes got by winner = 59.375% of 90 = 53.4375
Other candidates got votes = (90 - 53.4375) = 36.5625
According to the question,
53.4375 - 36.5625 = 2484
⇒ 16.875 = 2484
⇒ 1 = 147.2
So, the total polled votes = 147.2 × 100 = 14720
y% of the voters did not vote
⇒ 16000 × (100 - y)/100 = 14720
⇒ 100 - y = 1472/16
⇒ 100 - y = 92
y = 8