I would like you to come up with a recommodation supporting some
form of proportional representation [PR]. It is the only way that
every ballot has meaning. Take the present federal election, our
riding West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast. Any ballot other than for the
incumbent is wasted. Those not voting for the incumbent might just
as well stay home on voting day.
There is talk amongst you of some kind of transferable ballot. What
would it accomplish? It would only allow the present 'Top' parties
to stay on top, perpetuating themselves, never giving any upstarts
an opportunity.
A good proportional system may need to have the riding boundaries
redrawn, make them bigger, reducing the number of directly elected
MLA's to make room for 'List-electeds'. Or the house will have to
have more members, perhaps 10, or 15. So be it!
If we want a truly democratic system, we must allow, within reason,
for every vote to count. Making me make second or third choices is
not good enough.
The argument that a proportional system would lead to a fragmented
legislature with no party commanding a majority is bogus. On the
contrary, a house without constant majority governments will force
strong leadership instead of bullyship. It will force cooperation
instead of confrontation, balance instead of excess.
Always remember. your goal is to come up with a system for the
electors, not he electeds, the established parties.
Thank you for your efforts.
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