1. I am in favour of mixed member proportional representation
(MMP) with a reasonable minimum percentage lower threshold to get a
seat.
Reasons: The many countries around the world where this system
is now used have a much better record of fair representation while
preserving local representation. They also elect more women and
minorities. This is important to me, along with the idea that each
vote counts. The minimum threshold is to eliminate the problems
encountered in Israel where they don't have a minimum and the
system doesn't work. On the other hand, I am in favour of minority
governments that work together to meet the needs of all the people,
not just a slim majority.
2. I am opposed to keeping the system we have.
Reasons: It is unfair. The number of seats won should closely
reflect the percentage of votes cast for that party. With 58% of
the vote, the BC Liberal Party got 97% of the seats in the last
election. I prefer a system that does not allow this to happen. One
that guarantees that the 42% of the people who did not vote Liberal
are politically represented in the legislature.
3. I am opposed to the single transferable vote (STV)
system.
Reasons: I am not in favour of choosing a system that sounds
excellent in theory but in practice doesn't work consistently. In
particular, Malta and Ireland have very few women reps and at one
point, didn't Malta fail to elect the government with a majority of
the vote?
4. I am opposed to the "preferential plus" system proposed by
Nick Loenen.
Reasons: It seems to be a blatant attempt to ensure a one-sided,
unrepresentative government in perpetuity, incorporating nearly all
the disadvantages I have outlined above.
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