According to the Citizens' Assembly newsletter (March 23, 2004)
the present electoral system will not be changed unless:
-
the present system has deficiencies that detract from the
evolution and maintenance of healthy democratic politics in the
province, and
-
there is an alternative system that could be adopted that would
speak to the identified deficiencies.
With respect to 1 above: are there deficiencies? Yes. Simply
look at the last two provincial elections for the evidence. Enough
said.
With respect to 2 above: is there an alternative system that could
be adopted? Yes. In fact there are many, but there is one
particular category that seems to offer the best opportunity to
provide fairness, stability, a politically involved public, and
renewed faith in our political system as being truly democratic in
reflecting the concerns and viewpoints of citizens. Here I refer to
Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMP). Such a system is
already in place in many countries around the world. In a few
countries the system has resulted in serious problems, but in the
great majority of cases the system works well, and citizens are
satisfied.
What is really needed is a "made in BC" solution to the problem of
selection of a system. The Citizens' Assembly must not be deterred
from recommending change simply because it cannot guarantee the
ideal solution. Some form of MMP could be adopted, put in place,
then modified based upon the BC experience as to what
works for us.
This is an opportunity for democratic reform that must not be
missed. The Citizens' Assembly has invested much thought, time,
energy, and personal sacrifice in bringing us to this stage --
please do not fail us now that you are ready to complete a job
well-done.
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