[spokeshave]

It can be shown mathematically that control of a fragmented market (with multiple participants) is at 41.7% or rounded up to 42%.

This works in marketing of products and in politics, where a political party sells a product called "candidate."

[Suz in AZ]

“It can be shown mathematically that control of a fragmented market (with multiple participants) is at 41.7% or rounded up to 42%.”

So in other words, if you’re over 41.7% with a plurality, you pretty much win.

Thank you. Makes sense now. :-)

[spokeshave]

In Japan, the LDP maintained control for many years with 42% or more of the Lower House (total of 475 seats) either directly or with cooperation of minor groups.