I don't think the 'wouldn't change this particular election outcome' argument isn't really what it's about. The question is how it shapes politics long-term? Does it create more fringe or special interest parties, as a result of those parties actually being able to elect MPs? Does it create more likelihood of minorities? Does it create the necessity for formal coalitions? Does it increase or reduce the quality of candidates that get elected? I don't have answers to those questions, but I'm interested in hearing opinions on them.
Right now the experimentation is going on at a municipal level. The Toronto 2018 municipal election will use ranked ballots. But even then, it'll be difficult to apply the performance at a municipal level (individual, non-party-affiliated candidates) up to national level, just as it's hard to apply its use in party leader elections up to the national level.
I do think we'll see significant electoral reform in Canada in our lifetime, but it's not something we need to rush.
|