I believe that we must change the manner in which we elect
legislators to represent us in Victoria. I have been a
voter for more than 30 years and rarely have I felt a meaningful
connection with the result of an election. True, I have tended to
vote for individuals and parties that represent voices and needs
outside the corporate world. Yet, I don't see any representation
for my choice and those who choose similarly. I believe that the
future of this society lies in cooperative ventures between various
interests. The competitive and adversarial style of our current
society and governments bodes ill for our future.
First past the post only perpetuates the continued oppression of
the voices of the less privileged, an ever-increasing number, and
discourages individuals from believing that they have any voice in
the way their society is structured and that positive change for
the common good is possible. In order to maintain a civil society
it is necessary to include everyone and to support that
inclusion.
I think that by changing our electoral system to some form of
mixed proportional representation, similar to New Zealand, we can
foster commitment and cooperation of the people of BC toward
positive participation in the social and ecological change upon
which our common future depends.
|