What proportion of people in Essex chose the first-ranking candidate in the police and crime commissioner elections?

The correct answer, 3.9%, represents the proportion of people in Essex who voted for the candidate that secured the first-ranking position in the police and crime commissioner elections. This figure is significant as it illustrates the level of support for the winning candidate relative to the total voter population.

In electoral systems, understanding the percentage of votes for each candidate helps gauge public opinion and the legitimacy of the electoral outcome. The figure of 3.9% indicates a specific snapshot of democracy in action, reflecting both the engagement of the electorate and the competitive nature of the election.

Other options represent different hypothetical proportions, which could lead to assumptions about the candidate's popularity or the overall election dynamics, but they do not match the actual statistic of 3.9%.