1. Electoral Reform: Taking into Account Political Parties and Governance Issues
A Presentation to the Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform by Ian McKinnon

2. Presentation Themes
Look at electoral rules in terms of their impact on the relative power of party officials versus voters and party members.
Consider electoral systems in relation to our current form of parliamentary government.

3. Voter Impact Matters
Voters are frustrated if there true preference risks a “wasted vote.”
Voters want input over who runs, or at least assurance that the selection process is fair and responsive.

4. Transparency Matters
Voters are angered by intra or inter-party bargaining that is secretive or carried on by non-elected officials.
They want to know how their vote is translated into the choice of candidates and governments.

5. Conflicting Models
FPTP systems have roots before party-centred elections and focus on individual candidates. Independents can be elected.
PR systems are party-centred.
Mixed systems try reap benefits from both approaches.

6. Nominations are Critical
When the party apparatus controls nominations, power flows to party officials.
Elected representatives can be more independent of party when there is local or voter control over nominations or, to a lesser degree, the ordering of party lists.

7. Forming Governments
The Westminster system does not deal well with minority Parliaments.
Government formation and securing support for specific bills are marked by back-room dealings and intense bargaining.
Minority governments are unstable and frequent elections decrease turnout.

8. Recommendation #1
The nomination process is important to a well-functioning electoral system and it is appropriate for the Assembly to recommend rules that reinforce basic democratic principles. For FPTP
Set standards for nomination processes.
Ensure a measure of constituency nomination independence.

9. Recommendation #2
Promote local and member independence in proportional systems.
Have “open” rather than “closed” party lists.
Ensure that setting the list selection process is not purely an internal party affair by setting standards and rules appropriate to the form of electoral system.

10. Recommendation #3
Consider the characteristics of our Westminster parliamentary government.
Make a recommendation about the electoral system that would work effectively given our current form of government.
Be willing to make recommendations or observations about the relationship between electoral systems and the form of government.

11. Recommendation #4
If change is recommended, endorse the “Proportional Representation (PR) Light” proposal.
It will minimize the impact of unintended consequences.
It creates increased proportionality.
It provides an opportunity to evaluate the changes and a path to move to greater proportionality while adjusting to ensure that the final form works more effectively.