Core Legal Answer & Context: The World Trade Organization (WTO) primarily operates on a consensus-based decision-making model. This means that decisions are adopted if no member formally objects, aiming to ensure broad support and legitimacy among its 164 diverse members.

Most Favoured Means: Consensus is the preferred method. It implies the absence of any formal objection by a member when a decision is proposed.

Circumstances for Majority Votes:

1. Simple Majority: Can be used for procedural matters, though consensus is often sought even for these.
2. Two-thirds Majority: Required for:
   • Interpretations of the WTO agreements (Article IX:2 of the Marrakesh Agreement).
   • Granting waivers from obligations under the agreements (Article IX:3).
3. Three-fourths Majority: Required for amendments to the WTO agreements (Article X:1, X:2, X:3). This is a 'super majority' vote.

Super Majority Votes: Decisions requiring a two-thirds or three-fourths majority are considered super majority votes, used for more significant issues like interpretations, waivers, and amendments to the foundational agreements.

Need for Reform:

1. Challenges of Consensus: While promoting inclusivity, the consensus rule can lead to paralysis, especially with a large and diverse membership. A single member can block a decision, hindering progress on critical issues and making it difficult to conclude multilateral trade rounds (e.g., the Doha Development Agenda).
2. Calls for Reform: There is a growing debate about reforming the decision-making process to enhance efficiency. Suggestions include greater reliance on voting for certain issues, or differentiated consensus (e.g., among a smaller group of affected members). However, moving away from consensus is politically challenging, as sovereign states are reluctant to be bound by decisions they oppose.

Relevant Statutes and Sections:

1. Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (1994):
   • Article IX (Decision-Making): Outlines the general rule of consensus and exceptions for voting (interpretations, waivers, amendments).
   • Article X (Amendments): Specifies the majorities required for different types of amendments.

Clear Conclusion: Consensus is the WTO's preferred decision-making method, fostering broad agreement but often leading to gridlock. While specific provisions allow for super majority votes for interpretations, waivers, and amendments, the overall reliance on consensus highlights a tension between inclusivity and efficiency. Reform efforts are ongoing, but any significant shift away from consensus faces considerable political hurdles due to the sovereign nature of member states.