I am very concerned that the Citizens' Assembly seems to assume
that a proportional system is the only alternative to the present
electoral system. The proportional system can easily lead to the
kind of legislative chaos seen in countries like Israel and can
deny voters the right to vote for individuals if they are forced to
vote only for the party, which then decides who, from within the
party, gets the seats.
The preferential system [AV] is much superior
in that it is compatible with our tradition of individual
constituencies, while ensuring every candidate is elected with at
least 51% of the vote. If no candidate has 51% after
the first count, the second choices, etc., are counted, until one
emerges with at least 51%. This ensures that an elected candidate,
even if not the first choice of the majority, is at least tolerable
to those who made the candidate their second or third choice. The
preferential system also allows people to vote againest a candidate
by placing such a person in the last rank. Thus voters are allowed
the greatest possible freedom to express their preference.
Please give the preferential system a fair hearing.
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