Submission DIETZFELBINGER-1640 (Online)

I recommend a mixed representative [MMP] system. The issue of regional representation should not allow us to lose sight of the most glaring failure of the current system. Each vote must count, and right now it does not. [1 page]

The current discussion focusses on regional representation. As a northern resident, I fully agree with the need to ensure that rural and northern areas gain more recognition than they currently have. However, my experience in both Germany (my country of origin) and in Canada (citizen since 1989) lead me to recommend a mixed representative [MMP] system, much like it exists in Germany. The two ballots that voters cast there elect a list of candidates as proposed by the parties (in an internal democratic process) AND those candidates that collect more than 50% of the votes in a riding. Yes, this necessitates increasing the number of seats. I do not see this as bad.

This way, candidates that manage to convince the voters of a particular riding that they are their best chance to be well represented can do so. And the burning issue of wasting all those votes that do not go to the winning candidate in the current system is eliminated.

I would also recommend to allow changing the placement of candidates on party lists. That, again, will enable voters to move those candidates that they trust the most ahead.

The issue of regional representation should not allow us to lose sight of the most glaring failure of the current system. Each vote must count, and right now it does not.