We get to
decide the mechanics of representation from 2011 onwards –
should we continue with the present system of "first past the
post" (person with highest votes becoming winner) or should we
switch to a new Mixed Member Proportion system (better known
by the acronym mmp) which better reflects the aspirations of
the voters?
On the face
of it, there is little to argue with the obvious superiority
of mmp. In the first-past- the-post system, those who get
elected might secure less than 50 per cent of the vote. In a
tight contest, it is not unusual for the winning candidate to
squeak past with a few hundred votes, effectively shutting out
the opinion of those who voted against the winner. Critics
argue that this phenomenon, when extrapolated to the
provincial level, can result in a situation where the party
earning most votes ends up with fewer seats than its main
rival.
The suggested
solution is mmp, where voters still elect members from
single-member districts. A portion of seats, however, will be
allocated to parties in order to make seat shares more
proportional to polity-wide vote shares, ensuring that the
voice of the party in the second or third place is heard.
Who can argue
with the merits of such a democratic system?
However,
there seems to be little information about mmp, as
acknowledged by even Marie Bountrogianni, the minister
for Democratic Renewal. The province has belatedly realized
that the debate has been ignored by everybody excepting
political junkies. Despite a $6.8 million public information
campaign, a website (www.yourbigdecision.ca), information
available through 1-888-ont-vote and pamphlets sent out to 4.8
million homes in the province, there seems to be little
comprehension of what mmp is all about.
Worse, many
aren’t even aware of the existence of such a vote.
The absolute
lack of awareness of such a vote being cast, and why, is
troubling, given the number of voters unfamiliar with English
or French.
This will
result in voters using instantaneous judgement based on a lack
of knowledge rather than utilizing best knowledge – the fate
of future elections will hinge on ignorance.
The impact
can be best judged from the last American presidential
election where many states chose to hold referendums on
gun-control, abortion and same-sex marriage in conjunction
with the election. The born again Christian brigade showed up
in strength to primarily indicate their opposition to such
"un-godly" proposals. The ensuing vote for Bush was an
accidental by-product, but it helped Bush to accidentally win
the White House with consequences only too well known.
The
government’s enthusiasm for democracy is welcome; how-ever the
lack of well-prepared-ness and hurry make one wonder if we are
really rushing into places where angels fear to tread.
