I think proportional representation is the solution. This system
would ensure that every person's vote counts. Once people realised
their votes actually counted, voter participation should increase
substantially. The argument that proportional representation
results in ineffective government is a bit off the mark, as many
countries follow this form of government and don't seem to have a
problem remaining competitive on the world stage (e.g., Germany,
Spain, Sweden, etc.). I think the main challenge with proportional
representation is to change the vision of government from 'some
people up there' who have ultimate power, and who fail repeatedly
to represent the people, to a body of democratically elected people
representing all sectors of society and working together (rather
than pushing a single agenda) to run a province. It may be a more
time-consuming form of government, but it is likely the only truly
democratic form of government. It has the potential to increase
representation of both women and minorities in politics, and to
change not only the electoral process, but the very nature of
political thinking and decision-making in BC.
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