« The Swingometer returns | Main | The Spin on the Review »
January 30, 2008
Proportion and Democracy
The government's review of electoral systems released last Thursday revealed that First Past the Post is the least proportional of all electoral systems that have been used in the UK. James Ball of the Guardian argues that voting system that is not proportional is not only inadequate but "cannot be deemed democratic.” Ball blames the inequities of First Past the Post for the sleaziness and corruption surrounding UK politics and believes the only way to begin rectifying these problems is to change the voting system. Here are his key points:
The Westminster model encourages a two-party system. The need to get an absolute majority in a constituency to get even a single seat in Westminster makes breaking through into parliament a near-impossibility for smaller parties. Even the Liberal Democrats, who get around 20% of the vote each election, receive only 10% of seats. Labour and the Conservatives are left to duke it out for the majority of votes.
Changing the voting system to a proportional representation model would allow for more parties to enter Westminster, just as we see in the Welsh and Scottish assemblies. Coalitions become a much more significant part of government, which allows each party to set out a distinctive set of policies, even if compromise will eventually be required in parliament.
Reforming Westminster's antiquated and undemocratic voting system would benefit everyone except the two major political parties who maintain a political cartel over government. Reform is a traditional hobbyhorse of the Liberal Democrats, who have the most to gain in the short run, but electoral reform has more to offer than merely upping their vote share.
If politicians truly want an end to the sleazy, scandal driven politics they are so keen to blame the media for, then changing the voting system is their best chance. But will they have the courage to keep their promises on reform? I wouldn't hold your breath.
Posted by joshloewenstein on January 30, 2008
