I support a change of our electoral system to a proportional
representation type such as Mixed Member Proportional (MMP). The
proportionality is essential to give us better representation and
avoid the "winner-takes-all" effect of our current system. Our
government should not be based on win-or-lose, but on properly
representing the diverse views of the population to ensure that
discussion and even compromise take place. This will result in more
moderate and less reactive policies that will be more stable over
time and will not see everything thrown out and redone each time
there is a change in governing party.
While some people are afraid that a party-based vote would put too
much power in the leadership of political parties, the fact is that
most people make their judgements in regards to voting based on the
party ideology that they agree with. While some do not even know
the name of their local candidate, most can look at the major
differences among the parties by reading their platforms and can
decide who best represents them. Thus, a vote for a party on the
ballot should be the basis for the breakdown of the seats in the
legislature.
The benefit of MMP over pure proportionality is the local
representative (using a separate vote on the ballot). Many people
do not want to lose this (even though the local MLA may not even
represent the majority of the voters in that area). In this way,
MMP keeps the best of both systems while remaining straightforward
enough to avoid confusion. It also allows independent candidates to
run in the geographic areas.
Change is always difficult and it is impossible to find the perfect
system that will satisfy everyone. However, recent election results
not only in BC but across Canada have demonstrated that the
first-past-the-post system is not giving us the results that we
want, no matter where we are on the political spectrum. We also do
not want to regress to a two-party system -- diverse views are
important. (To prevent too much instability, a minimum such as 5%
of the vote to obtain any seats is recommended, as is used in New
Zealand and Germany). Right now, people are forced to worry about
vote-splitting and strategic voting, which is causing more
adversarial politics. A mixed proportional system would help to
address these problems and would be an important step in improving
our political system. This may even help to reduce the cynical
feelings people have about politicians and perhaps help attract new
voters or those who have given up in dismay.
Thank you for your hard work on this ground breaking issue.
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