What is your opinion on electoral reform?

[Oliver_W]

I'm conflicted! I'm not hugely political, so it's hard to have a fully formed opinion.

Proportionate Representation (PR) - as far as I know, this means that it takes into account votes across the whole country rather than individual constituency - In the current system, 20% of the country might vote Lib Dem, but they don't get 20% of the seats. And then I suppose the PM would be the leader of the largest party, as it is now.

But despite this, I still see our current system as better; as it stands, Parliament is sovereign rather than the PM. Parliament is made up of locally voted MPs. If seats were to be divvied up based on votes across the country, how would local MPs be designated?

Thoughts?

[Withano]

Idk. How would the 20% of libdems that go in to parliament be decided? Cos I’ve always felt like this system will just elect a bunch of London toffs at the top of the list as opposed to the likeable and relatable candidates from all round the country that we’re more likely to vote for.

It’d also open up the chances for actual nazi’s to get a seat which is terrifying. Like a Nazi party could be created tomorrow, guarantee themselves 0.16% of the vote, and they’d get a seat. Lord Bucket Head or any non-political Z list celeb could probably achieve his too...

I don’t think it’s a great idea.

[Toy Soldier]

In the current political climate, you can all but guarantee that the result would be various extremists gaining seats in Parliament. Not huge numbers of seats but definitely a couple...

[Kizzy]

I agree it just goes to show the propaganda of division works as well today as in the 20s and 30s.

[Greg!]

I think the whole UK should adopt the Scottish Parliament system. It ensures the representatives are local but also makes the seats awarded proportional to how people actually voted. First past the post is a terrible voting system.

[Livia]

We had a referendum on the alternative vote in 2011 and we voted against it.

[arista]

We had a referendum on the alternative vote in 2011 and we voted against it.


Yes its alls Nick Cleggs fault.

[James]

There are advantages and disadvantages to every election system. Probably just keep it as it is.

This has just been the result of the Canadian general election (they use the same system as us). Relevant to this discussion...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHevrzLW4AEPdnz?format=jpg&name=small