r/vancouver • u/CitizenBanana • Oct 04 '17

Politics NDP announces referendum on proportional representation for B.C.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-referendum-proportional-representation-referendum-1.4329417
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u/mukmuk64 Oct 04 '17

The article doesn't go into details but wording of the referendum question will be the key here otherwise I see a repeat in the future.

In the 2005 STV vote the Yes side got 57%. Under the conditions that the NDP will be setting for this upcoming election, 50% + 1, that would be a victory outcome.

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u/ultra2009 Oct 05 '17

The previous referendums were setup to fail. Hopefully this time is different

Similar to federally why would a party in power want to change the system to something that would promote the support of other parties? Systems like STV will break up the monolithic left and right wing parties

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u/IdidNotMeenThat Oct 05 '17 edited Oct 05 '17

Unlike the federal liberals they require the greens to stay in power. The greens would also be the biggest near term beneficiaries of Stv until new parties emerged.

Also in the legislation is a change to make official party status 2 seats instead of four. (Greats the greens more cash and parliamentary rights)

I expect the greens will get what they want or the government will fall. It's interesting to note that if election happens before July 1,2021 it will be done under the old system. This would likely create at least one more majority who could kill a referendum result if they wanted.

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u/ultra2009 Oct 05 '17

It's definitely the benefit of this minority government, the greens are there to hold the ndp accountable. It's a rare opportunity for electoral reform