PEI electoral reform plebiscite results disappointing (Nov. 29, 2005)
November 29, 2005
Fair Vote Canada
News - November 29, 2005
PEI PLEBISCITE RESULTS DISAPPPOINTING, BUT ELECTORAL REFORM DISCUSSION WILL CONTINUE
With only 36 per cent voting in favour of the proposed mixed member proportional voting system in yesterday's non-binding plebiscite, PEI has apparently lost the opportunity to lead the nation on electoral reform. However, local fair voting supporters will continue to push for provincial reform, with strong encouragement from the national electoral reform movement.
"From a national perspective, we had hoped the Birthplace of Confederation would become the Birthplace of Electoral Reform," said Wayne Smith, President of Fair Vote Canada, the national citizens' campaign for voting system reform. "I'm sure Islanders who wish to see a healthy political system will carry on the fight for fair voting and build stronger public support. But the honour of leading the nation will now very likely go to another province."
The Government of Quebec will begin a public consultation process on a mixed member proportional system in January. Following the lead of British Columbia, the Government of Ontario will soon convene an independent citizens' assembly to assess the voting system and make a recommendation on alternatives. Ontario is expected to have a referendum on a new voting system in conjunction with the October 2007 provincial election. The Government of British Columbia has promised another referendum in fall 2008, given that more than 57 percent voted in favour of the proposed single transferable vote system in the May 2005 referendum.
"We certainly encourage Islanders to continue the discussion and debate on the implementation of a fair voting system," said Smith. "Education remains the great task for the electoral reform movement, getting people to make the connection between the dissatisfaction they feel with politics and politicians, and our winner-take-all voting system, which leaves most of us unrepresented and unable to hold our governments to account. We expect at least one, if not several, other provinces to adopt new voting systems within the coming few years, and that will produce a new context for Islanders to consider their own options."
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