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Submission ADAIR-0586 (Online)

Submission By William Adair
AddressLadysmith, BC, Canada
Organization
Date20040608
CategoryDemocratic elections, Democratic government, Electoral system change
Abstract
The current number of MLAs should be reduced by ten.  Ten 'party seats' should be created and filled by a province wide proportional vote based on a separate ballot taken at the same time as the election for MLAs. [1 page]

Submission Content
I want to thank each and every one of you for giving valuable time to take part in this very important committee.

The following are a few of my thoughts and my feelings of how the election procedure should be changed.

First off, I believe that preset election dates are good and should remain.

In the event of a minority government, I'm not sure what the current practice dictates, but I'm supportive of the MLAs forming whatever coalition works until the predetermined election date, even if it means different leaders.  In other words the MLAs should do what ever it takes to get along to form the consensus needed to govern until the predetermined election date.

I like the current system of local MLAs but I propose reducing the number of ridings by a total of 10.  I further propose that local MLAs be mandated NOT to answer to party Whips. And that they must vote their personnel views over that of their party.  In the event of a vacancy, the current by-election system would continue.

I propose that 10 new 'party seats' be created and filled based on a province wide proportional vote in a second ballot taken at the same time as the election for MLAs.

I propose that the party leaders run in the new party seat category.

I further propose that only the party seats be subject to the party Whips.  It would be up to the party to fill these seats as they feel best serves their party and ultimately the province. The party would determine who fills these seats and be able to change these seats or fill vacancies at any time.

Once again, you have my thanks.

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