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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Canada's Electoral System

1572 Words7 Pages

Imagine you are in a courtroom, listening to arguments made by fellow citizens about how their votes were rendered meaningless by an outdated electoral system that fails to reflect the people’s true will. In the last federal election, a party won the majority of seats in Parliament with less than 40% of the popular vote, leaving millions of Canadians feeling unheard and underrepresented. It is now in your hands to decide the most effective electoral system for Canada—what do you do? For years, Canada's electoral system has relied on First-Past-the-Post (FPTP), where the candidate with the most votes in a riding wins, regardless of whether they achieve a majority. While this system has successfully administered elections, it has also resulted …show more content…

Proportional representation (PR) systems have the ability to eliminate gerrymandering, a practice that distorts electoral boundaries to favor a particular party. By implementing PR, electoral districts become less susceptible to manipulation since seats are allocated in proportion to the votes received by each party. Unlike winner-takes-all systems prone to gerrymandering, PR ensures that every vote counts and accurately reflects the electorate's preferences. As noted, PR systems are designed to match each party's share of seats in the legislature to their share of the total vote, thereby minimizing opportunities for gerrymandering (Article 3). Political science professor, Peter Woolstencroft, highlights the flaws of existing systems and emphasizes the need for thoughtful reconsideration of electoral methods. He critiques the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system, underscoring the complexities and potential issues with current systems and advocating for more effective solutions like PR: "Political science professor says MMP voting system is 'wacky'" (Article …show more content…

Moreover, PR promotes voter engagement by offering a more meaningful choice at the ballot box, as citizens can vote for parties and candidates that genuinely align with their values and interests. This increased voter participation contributes to a more vibrant and responsive democracy, where elected officials are held accountable to a broader spectrum of constituents. In conclusion, proportional representation (PR) emerges as a compelling electoral system with the potential to address critical issues facing Canada's democracy. Through its ability to provide variety for voters, solve voting rights problems, and eliminate gerrymandering, PR offers a pathway towards a more inclusive, fair, and representative political landscape. By embracing PR, Canada can overcome systemic biases, enhance electoral integrity, and foster greater political engagement among its citizens. However, the journey towards electoral reform is not without its challenges and complexities. It requires careful consideration, informed debate, and a collective commitment to advancing democratic

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