abstention - n. a formal refusal to vote on something
single out - phrasal verb. to treat or to speak about (someone or something in a group) in a way that is different from the way you treat or speak about others
contribution - n. a regular payment that is made to an organization
exert - v. to cause pressure, force in order to have an effect
preposterous - adj. very foolish or silly
overwhelming - adj. very great in number, effect or force
non-binding - adj. not officially required or not able to be enforced