BY STAN MACPHERSON
GUEST OPINION
If asked to name the most important responsibilities of their government to the general population, many Islanders would mention investing wisely and adequately in health care, education and economic development as cornerstones of good government.
Underlying our government’s ability to deliver on these important responsibilities is the presence of a smoothly functioning democracy. If government does not function efficiently in carrying out its primary task of representing the people of this province; it is unlikely to be able to deliver on the priorities of Islanders.
It seems apparent that a fundamental pillar of a well-functioning democracy is the electoral system we use to select those individual citizens who will represent us in government.
Looking back on the 2016 plebiscite on electoral reform and its aftermath, I am convinced that the current government, under the leadership of Premier Wade MacLauchlan, took the right approach regarding the outcome of that plebiscite. When one considers the low voter turnout (approximately 36.5 per cent as compared to general election turnouts of approximately 80 per cent and higher), the five complex electoral systems presented on the ballot and the narrow margin between the two leading options, I believe it is abundantly clear that the plebiscite failed to deliver a clear mandate. Given these circumstances I believe the premier made the right decision – a fair and reasonable decision – in promising a binding referendum to ensure the voices of all Islanders would be heard.
To rush into the overhaul of our democratic system may have been popular with some at the time, but it would have been totally irresponsible. Looking back, it is clear that the premier took a fair, reasonable and responsible approach to resolving this dilemma.
The First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system currently in use is certainly familiar to most Islanders but do most Islanders have a complete and thorough understanding of FPTP and its ramifications?
At this point in time, not many Islanders could truthfully say they have a clear and complete understanding of how the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMP) electoral system works and its potential effects on the democratic system in P.E.I. as we now know it.
As would be expected with the introduction of any new electoral system, such as MMP, there are a number of important questions to be answered and concerns to be resolved. Among these questions/concerns are the following:
What short and long-term effects would the MMP system have on our Island communities – both rural and urban? Is there a high potential for adverse unintended consequences?
How do political parties select the candidates on their respective party “lists,” which will be comprised of individuals selected by their party.
As I understand it, under MMP, approximately one third of the seats in the legislature would be filled by individuals selected by their respective political parties; rather than elected by voters in a district or region. Could this lead to the appointment of party hacks, representatives of special interest groups, significant donors, etc. to each party’s list?
What occurs if a byelection is required to fill one of the party list seats (these list seats are initially filled by unelected persons selected by their party)? Will the vacant seat be filled through a byelection process or simply through appointment of another unelected person by the incumbent party?
There may well be very good answers to all of these questions, and others. But at this point Islanders do not know them. That’s why it is so important to ensure this process and the two options being considered are clear, concise and well understood before any fundamental changes are made.
In the upcoming provincial election, Islanders will not only vote for their representative, they will vote for how they want to be represented. They will have a clear choice with a simple question and fair process.
As citizens of P.E.I., it is our duty to examine, understand and evaluate the pros and cons of both systems and ultimately make an informed decision.
It is critically important that we get our democracy right, in order to ensure Islanders are well represented, whatever the outcome. I believe the premier and his government have established the right path to achieve this.
- Stan MacPherson, Charlottetown, FCPA, FCA, is a member of the chartered professional accountants and management advisors firm of MacPherson-Roche-Smith.
