I believe that British Columbians, regardless of political leanings, want our government to create good policies based on fair, open, genuine and widely considered discussion. We need an electoral system that enables that to occur.
First-past-the-post worked well when there were only two parties, but has become democratically weak when three or more parties split the vote, resulting in the 鈥渇alse鈥� majorities we frequently see. That imbalance results in important decisions and laws being passed by the 鈥渨inning鈥� party, without meaningful discussion, just because they can.
Fact-avoidance, scripted replies and angry rhetoric routinely replace reasonable dialogue. Elections become partisan battlefields bent on gaining or maintaining that power, and electors feel cheated, cynical and disinterested. Democracy deteriorates. We can, and must, do better.
With proportional representation, any political majority is properly won with greater than 50 per cent of the vote. That is a valid majority, understood to be fair and democratic. Citizens feel empowered because every vote matters. More become engaged in the political process, campaigning is more apt to reflect true intentions and a higher voter turnout is more likely to occur.
It鈥檚 true that, more often, no majority results from proportional representation, but broader perspectives at the table are a good thing. Elected representatives must justify, persuade and convince. Respectful, open, substantive discussions become the basis for better legislation.
And don鈥檛 worry: Regional representation is maintained or improved. Democracy is revived with this breath of fresh air. Please join me in supporting proportional representation.
Gail Meston
Victoria
