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October 17, 2006

Myth 9: Proportional representation doesn't let you 'kick the bastards out'

It is a lingering idea that proportional representation entrenches the same politicians in power for ever and ever amen.

Politicians can only stay in office because the party has the power to and wants to keep them there, or because the voters do. In a closed-list system, or in safe seats generated by FPTP, the politicians have such power. Using STV gives that power to the voters, and then it is up to the voters to deal with any bastardly ways.

STV also ensures that to be elected, a candidate has to have a decent level of support from within their constituency. In the previous two general elections, George Galloway (he's the best example, there are others) has won his seat with under 20 per cent of two separate registered electorates. A system that elects an MP on such a paltry amount of votes is not one that appears best designed for kicking MPs out.

Posted by pauldavies on October 17, 2006

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