Proposing systemic change to solve a political crisis
By Sara Rooseboom
3rd Year Pre-Social Work
December 10, 2008
We are in the midst of a political crisis, people.
Six weeks ago we spent roughly $300 million on an election that landed us in the same position we were already in. This election represented the lowest turnout of voters since the 1800s. This election left us with virtually the same parliamentary make up as before, with the same Prime Minister. Now, that government is falling apart, again, and Canadians are stuck not knowing what to do.
Our democracy is showing signs of failure. Low voter turnout, campaigns based on mud-slinging and attack ads rather than the issues, no strong and charismatic leaders in any of the parties, back-room deals, heightened tension between the West and the East, increased tension between French and English Canada, a divided left-center, extreme divisive partisanship not only in parliament but within the electorate, instability of parliament ... I could go on.
The point is this: our system is failing us. So what should we do?
Let’s break down this failure into its relevant components, and attack each in due course. These are the problems, as I see it: party-based politics; a divided left; Voter apathy; remaining ties to Britain; the first-past-the-post electoral system.
While all of these issues are clearly important, we have limited time and limited space. Let’s focus on what I would deem the most essential issue underlying our current crisis – party-based politics.
When parties dominate parliament, everything is ideological. Each party has its own economic model, its own ideology, its own morality. Problems are not solved objectively - they are solved according to party principles, and whichever party has the most seats, gets to have its principles dominate. MPs vote along party lines in parliament, rather than according to their conscience and the needs of their constituents. These people are sworn to represent their constituents, instead, they represent their party and nothing more.
Voters are not encouraged to pay attention to the issues, instead, they pay attention to the ideological leanings of their “representatives.” They vote based on whether they call themselves a “liberal,” a “conservative,” or a “social democrat.”
Cooperation is rejected and competition is the norm. Political parties vie for power, in competition with one another, rather than allowing for cooperation and open dialogue. Party lines divide the entire country. They do not divide politicians alone, they divide the electorate. They pit right against left, rather than allowing different perspectives fair and equal opportunity to voice concerns and making decisions within an eclectic and multidimensional framework.
I propose a complete reformation of the entire electoral process. I propose: eliminating political parties and replacing them instead with a system of independent candidates whose mandate is simply to represent the interests of their particular constituents (their district) within the larger context that includes the interests of their general constituents (Canadians as a whole), in which ideological leanings are personal, not partisan, and conscience is their guide, not party affiliation.
A system of proportional representation in which individual MPs must win a 60 per cent majority within their district on top of receiving the most votes in general. Ballots allow for candidates to pick their top two choices. In the event that a candidate wins the most votes, but not 60 per cent, the ballots of the bottom parties (everyone but the top two) have their second-choice votes counted. These are combined with the original vote-count, and whichever of the top two candidates receives the most votes at this time wins.
I propose mandatory, grade 11 or 12 “Intro to Canadian Politics and Law” courses in all secondary schools to boost the interest of youth in politics and furnish them with the basic knowledge and skills they require to become effective and responsible voters, before they hit voting age.
I propose a ban on “negative” campaign ads. Basically, candidates must advertise their platforms, proposals and ideals. They cannot base their campaigns on smearing their opponents. Ads are to discuss the candidate’s own goals and visions, not to attack their opponents.
I propose proportional equality across electoral districts within each region, and proportional equality of electoral districts between regions.
I propose... CHANGE!
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