By Bill Roberts - Fair Vote Kamloops

A vote for PR is a vote for democracy

Sep 19, 2018 | 11:20 AM

“THE CASE FOR [proportional representation] is fundamentally the same as that for representative democracy. Only if an assembly represents the full diversity of opinion within a nation can its decisions be regarded as the decisions of the nation itself.” — Encyclopedia Britannica

We support Proportional Representation because we support democracy. Most voters probably have a pretty down-to-earth idea of what democracy means: a government elected by a majority of the people, that reflects the values and wishes of the people.

It is a disturbing fact that our present system, First-Past-the-Post, doesn’t do this. For example, in three recent elections in BC (2005, 2009, and 2013), the Liberals won a majority of MLAs (58 per cent) with a minority of the votes (44 per cent to 46 per cent). No wonder they want to keep First-Past-the-Post! In 1996, the NDP got fewer votes than the Liberals (only 39 per cent) but won more seats (52 per cent of MLAs). How are such outcomes desirable in a democracy? With proprotional representation, a party that wins 39 per cent of the vote would win 39 per cent of the seats. In contrast, our current system allows minorities to win elections. That’s just wrong. First-Past-the-Post needs to be replaced.

This peculiarity of First-Past-the-Post – that minorities can win 100 per cent of the power – makes us vulnerable to ‘takeovers’ by extreme groups. Doug Ford, who received only 40 per cent of the vote in Ontario, is now attacking the judiciary and precipitating a constitutional crisis. And Donald Trump won the US election despite reciving three million fewer votes than his opponent. First-Past-the-Post is dangerous.

With three major parties in BC, Proportional Representation will frequently result in coalition governments. That’s a big plus. Under such conditions, political parties act as checks on one another. Politicians will be forced to engage in discussion and cooperation. They will have to come to a consensus about policies that are acceptable to the majority of voters – not just to special interest minorites. In the current referendum campaign, it is special interest minority groups who are trying to frighten us into keeping First-Past-the-Post. They like being the minority that has 100 per cent of the power. It time for a system that reflects voters’ preferences. It’s time for Proportional Representation.

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There are other benefits as well. Proportional representation encourages voter turnout, because voter support across the entire province counts towards representation in the Legislative Assembly. Your vote counts. Participation is important for a healthy democracy. We should support a system that supports participation.

Another benefit of proportional representation is more stable public policy. Under the current system, policy lurches as different minorities elect governments that have no need to consult or cooperate with others. With 100 per cent of the power, they impose their own agenda. Under proportional representation, legislation becomes more cooperative and government policy more stable, since it is put in place by MLAs who reflect majority views and values. More diverse views are considered, and better solutions to complex problems can be found. This is how democracy can work.

All systems of proportional representation deliver these benefits. In contrast, First-Past-the-Post allows special interest minorities to wield 100 per cent of the power. It is dangerous and needs to be replaced. October’s referendum is our chance to do it.

Vote Yes for Proportional Representation.