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Letter: Common cause

Randall J. Rohl’s facts have no basis in reality [“ Viewpoint: Electoral reform fundamentally alters democracy ,” June 8]. First, no fringe parties will be elected under proportional representation.

Randall J. Rohl’s facts have no basis in reality [“Viewpoint: Electoral reform fundamentally alters democracy,” June 8].

First, no fringe parties will be elected under proportional representation. All candidates have to get more than five per cent of the popular vote.

Second, I hardly think the federal Liberals are an unpopular party. The Conservatives change their tune, too, when they get power.

Third, people with radically different views work together all the time for a common cause and there are far fewer backroom deals under proportional representation. The confidence and supply agreement between the BC Greens and BC NDP is available for anyone to read.

The parties that hold more power than they deserve are the ones elected with fewer than 50 per cent of the popular vote and get all the seats and power even so. The governments we have now do not work for the benefit of all residents. Ever tried to get a grant from a party you were known not to have voted for?

No candidates need be appointed by party executives. They can be elected by party members just as they are now. The ridings will be bigger but no riding will have fewer MLAs than it has now.

The whole idea of proportional representation is that ridings will have a mix of MLAs so more people have a representative who holds their views. Rural ridings will not be taken over by Vancouver or urban areas. All the MLAs will be from the region.

I suggest Mr. Rohl reads some peer-reviewed research on voting systems. Most developed countries have changed to proportional systems. At least listen to Elections BC's explanation of proportional representation.

Many elderly people have valued experience and thoughtfulness, but I couldn't include you in that “bunch.” How old are you? I'm 81.

Nancy Leathley
Sechelt