I propose that this Province adopt the Mixed Proportional
Representation (mixed regional representation with top up of
candidates selected from an open list, put forward by the party but
prioritized by the voter), to ensure that final party
representation reflects the popular vote +/- a small
percentage.
First, there have been some concerns about the PR system; one of
which, I suggest, is actually a strength.
Many believe that the PR system results in minority government,
which is frequently true, but I believe that minority Government is
in many cases good, for, with a minority government,
there must be consultation, and the wild swings from Left to Right
that we see, particularly in BC, are moderated.
Another complaint expressed, is that splinter parties have undue
influence.
I believe that this problem would be addressed by having a high
qualification threshold, and any party, which having met
that threshold, would be entitled to their full share
based upon a set rounding up or down figure.
The next suggestion
addresses the complaint that the
electorate would not have an input into the priority of the list of
candidates to be selected.
This is true of the closed list system, which is not much of an
improvement over what we have now. This flaw
is overcome by adopting the Open List system,
as distinct from the proposal of Adrienne Carr, for a Party List
System, in which the party makes the list, which will be selected
in priority from their top choice. I discussed this
briefly with Ms Carr, some time ago, but she has made no change to
her proposal, as far as I know.
I also believe that the system should be mixed, so that there are
also regional representatives, but with larger constituencies, in
order to provide the space for the top up candidates. The top up
candidates would be varied in number to allow for a reasonable
round up or round down percentage. With the suggested flexible
number of top up candidates, the Legislative Chamber
might be better fitted with benches, as is the Mother of
Parliaments, which would allow for varying numbers.
The only fault that I have not yet been able to address, is, if
we are to retain recall, it would be difficult to recall those non
constituency MLA’s. I am sure that this could be easily
resolved with more thought. (Perhaps a province-wide referendum,
but with a lower threshold than for the constituency MLA to qualify
to initiate that recall.)
My proposal is for a Mixed Proportional
Representation Open List (Preferential) System, with a
qualification to receive seats, a sufficiently high percentage of
votes to remove splinter and nuisance parties. Once that percentage
was reached then the party would receive the seats indicated by
their total popular vote.
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