It is clear that the populace of BC wants to change the way in
which the province is governed, which includes electing of our
representatives. However, many are confusing accountability
with a more democratic system of voting.
Nothing is more further from the truth.
In our form of democracy, we live by majority rule. We are
wholly benevolent in that we have rights and priviledges conferred
on all, but do so within the confines of what the society as a
whole decides by majority vote. We do not have any place where 10
or 15% decides what the majority want. In an election, we vote for
some one to win with the most votes. We do it in every area of our
social life. Thus Proportional Representation
[PR] cannot be viable in BC. We have too many regions
whose diversity will not allow for the kind of government people
are asking for.
However, the citizens of the province are also tired of only
30-40% of the electorate deciding who is going to
govern. Thus the only change that can be made is the
'Single Tranferable Ballot or Vote' [preferential voting]. The STV
will allow for a truer majority vote by making the clear winner
achieve more than 50% of the vote in his/her constituency by
ranking highest overall [AV]. This will allow the voter to vote
specifically for a person instead of the party.
And this can be achieved with out increasing the number of
MLA's. Something that Pro-Rep people don't want you to think
about.
It would be reasonable to me to see about 300 MLA's in the house
if Pro-Rep is adopted. And if this is pointed out to voters, I
don't honestly believe this concept can pass in the referendum.
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