The current voting system allows a majority of a legislature鈥檚 seats to be obtained with minority of votes. This, together with the strong tools of party discipline available to a prime minister or premier, has often resulted in leaders with near-dictatorial powers, even though they typically do not have the support of a majority of voters.
One result is a process that allows backbench members little power or respect. Who has not heard our legislature described as a monkey house?
This might serve special interests. It does not promote the debate and compromise needed for a vigorous democracy.
Proportional representation will ensure that any government will have the support of majority of the voters, either outright, or as a coalition.
In addition, adopting proportional representation would go a long way toward a legislature that would truly debate issues and consider a much broader set of views.
Gerald Walter
Saanich
