Electoral Reforms in Canadian Provinces Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Electoral Reforms in Canadian Provinces - Essay Example This is due to the use of First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) method of electing candidates. However, the Canadian society has undergone many changes since the FPTP method was introduced and even British itself has ever since changed its electoral system. Canadian society is now more diverse and mobile and as such, this electoral system is proving ineffective in dealing with issues that affect society today. In other words, the system no longer responds to twenty-first-century democratic values as political, cultural and economic reality has greatly changed (Law Commission of Canada 2004, p. 2). There is thus considerable pressure from citizen groups, academics, politicians and political parties to institute electoral reforms. In fact, provinces like British Columbia (BC), New Brunswick, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec have gone as far as starting the process of electoral reforms. It is believed that adding an element of proportionality to the existing system may go a long way in sol ving many of the problems inherent in the current system. The question that needs to be answered is; will alternative methods succeed where FPTP has failed? This will be the focus of this essay. To answer this question, the essay will first discuss the shortfalls of the current electoral system. It will then examine the various proposals put forward for reforms such as the Alternative Vote (AV), Two-round or run-off system, list-Proportional Representation, Single Transferable Vote (STV), Mixed Member Proportion (MMP), and Mixed Member Majoritarian (MMM) systems. Their weaknesses and strengths will be evaluated to determine if they can be compatible with the Canadian democratic values and constitution. Various proposals in different provinces will also be examined to determine why they have not succeeded and what can be done to make them more applicable in a Canadian context.