Can someone tell me what are the advantages of the Electoral College system
over more democratic systems.

UK is in the same boat as the USA here - not unknown for the "result" to not
match the popular vote. Other European countries seem to have adopted systems
which produce a parliament which more closely matches the popular vote.

I do find it funny that the UK touts its "democracy", but in fact the system
is designed to perpetuate 2 party politics, which can't possibly accurately
reflect the broad range of opinions in society.

Cheers

Deri