I urge the Assembly to recommend a mixed proportional
representational [MMP] system to replace our present
first past the post system. Our present system thwarts the
democratic process by often conveying more power to a party than
the popular vote would justify. A system such as our present one
only works well if there are only two parties with clearly defined
policies. The present diversity of thought (which should be viewed
as an asset) is not well served by our present system. If our
electoral system were able to reflect the diversity of thought in
our province the elected representatives would have to respect the
views of a broader base of the population. Our present system has
lead to dangerous polarization that is not healthy. In order to
protect against fringe parties being given the ability to fragment
the legislature, a minimum percentage of votes should be set so
that all parties that are represented do have the support of a set
percentage of the votes.
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