blog » May 28, 2005/P.E.I. to get proportional representation?

After B.C.’s failed (for now) attempt at bringing in proportional representation, P.E.I. is giving it a try. P.E.I. will be voting this fall whether to adopt a mixed member proportional system (see the article for more details). One bad thing about that system is that it gives independents a much larger disadvantage than they already have, since they obviously can’t get any seats from party lists. And now independents must compete in larger ridings, under the regular first-past-the-post winner-take-all system.

Personally, I prefer B.C.’s proposed system. Though both referendums were/are flawed, since they only offer the choice between sticking with the old system, or adopting a single alternative system recommended by the electoral reform commission. Thus people who prefer proportional representation, but prefer another system over the commission’s recommendation, are stuck. Personally, I’d like to see a reform commission suggest a referendum using the Condorcet method (or even approval voting), and offer multiple types of proportional representation, as well as a “further discussion on proportional representation” option.