File:Ranking centroids.gif

Summary
In a 2D opinion space in which there is a true consensus, taking into account only ranked preferences between two candidates (darker moving circles) leads to distortions, due to the creation of artificial factions between the two.

Each of the two artificial factions will perceive its own "factional consensus" (moving crosses) which is far away from the other, even though both groups actually have a greater natural consensus which remains unchanged (black static cross, center).

Thus, rankings are inherently factionalist, and any "majority" created (shaded background) representes a distorted and artificial picture of the true opinions of the population.

Thus, "majoritary" is a property of the CANDIDATES more than that of the VOTERS, as it is the candidates who are "drawing the line", not the voters taking sides on issues.

Notice how fringe candidates (when the dots towards the edge) can easily radicalize their minority faction, creating a highly distorted faction consensus near the fringe.