Quote:
Originally Posted by GGG
Under representation of small parties -- is a pro keeps extremist views out
Ethnic Minorities -- this also assures areas with ethnic minorities are elected in their areas. In Canada I think this is a pro as it ensures native representation in native dominated areas and other ethnic representation in various majority areas.
Women -- if you note the end of the statement is that it is influenced by pro equality policies in areas with pr. I think you need to look into more detail before saying this is a defect of Ftfp. And it's likely you could develop policies to get more equal participation such as appointments by the parties in charge of mandatory quotas for major parties if this is a priority.
Regional/Racial fiefdoms -- outside of Alberta every other region in Canada is effective at regularly switching allegiances in between national and regional parties. This appears to be a defect in Albertans rather than the system. It is an item to watch though but in Canada it appears that with party renewal the regional parties lose support or moderate to appeal nationally with constituents desire to form government.
Wasted Votes -- not an issue. Disagree that it leads to anti system candidates. No evidence of this being an issue over 100 years in Alberta
Vote Splitting -- again I see this as a feature it discourages large numbers of similar parties and leads to renewal .
Unresponsive to sways in opinion -- this is also a feature. Stability in government amoung small swings in opinion is a good thing.
Boundaries-- agree with this being a significant issue but Canada handles it well.
The initial posted list contains a lot of criticisms of FTFP which are still present in the ranked ballot that is loosely proposed. The only items which are addressed are wasted votes and vote splitting. Both of which aren't significant enough to change a system.
The discussion of PR vs FTFP at least is more interesting then the ranked ballot.
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A very fine post.
Sorry that I took my time in responding. I was down with the flu all weekend, and not in a good position to engage with some of the great responses here.
I would also add that every electoral system is as much a reflection of a country's cultural preferences. Too often people think that voting systems are some kind of technical problem. Hence, the abstract criticisms of FPTP based on some perfectly imagined theoretical model.
Our FPTP has weathered practically every storm that an electoral system could conceivably go through - constitutional crises, a staunch separatist movement, and increasing racial and cultural diversity. Through that it has replaced innumerable political parties, driving growth and innovation at every level in this country.
What is more is that I do not like how parties control the lists in both PR and STV.