I am very much in favour of a mixed proportional representation
[MMP] system, comparable to New Zealand's. I think part
of the disillusionment people have with politics and politicians is
due to the sense of disenfranchisement which results from having
one vote in a first-past-the-post system, amounting to a negligible
influence on any outcome. The cynicism and indifference which is
pervasive comes from knowing your one vote is virtually
insignificant. No wonder young people have given up on
politics.
To infuse the populace with interest in the process, the system
has to change to give each voter a sense of making a difference. I
also think the voting age should be lowered to 16 for the same
reason. Allowing younger people to have a say will instil a sense
that they have some influence and will encourage them to be more
responsible I believe.
Thank you for your attention, and for dedicating a generous
commitment of time and energy to the process of electoral
reform.
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