Vested interests in electoral reform

Dear editor: Both the NDP and the Liberals have said they will openly campaign for their own preferences on the upcoming referendum on electoral reform.

Is this driven by dedicated altruism and principle in trying to influence what they perceive to be the best system for the management of the province and its citizens welfare? Given their record of behaviour, only the most naive would think so.

It is driven in both cases by what they perceive to be in the best interest of their political party.

The NDP has been militantly committed to a mixed member proportional system for decades, largely because under this system their seat counts in the legislature would have been routinely higher due to the proportional aspect of the vote. It must be noted, however, that it appears they are approaching the fall referendum in a fair and balanced way.

The Liberals advocate keeping the existing first past the post system, not because it is best for British Columbians, but because it is the best means of continuation as the dominant governing party of B.C.

In the past, they have formed governments not always with a majority vote, but by usually out-margining the NDP in more seats than not. In many cases this resulted in claiming huge majorities of seats despite being only slightly ahead on votes cast. Not very proportional.

It is clear that we are on our own in this choice, so beware of the parties' rhetoric and exercise due diligence in informing yourself.

Study hard, because if you feel it is time to abandon anachronistic ways and give something else a chance, this will very likely be your last chance.

Roy Roope Summerland