ERS: Big bang or damp squib? Voting reform needs a timetable

Thursday, 20 May 2010 12:00 AM

The Electoral Reform Society has called on the government to clarify its proposals on voting reform following today's speech by Deputy PM Nick Clegg - starting with a clear indication on the timing of any future referendum on the Alternative Vote.

Dr Ken Ritchie, Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society said:

"Reformers are still left wondering where voting reform figures in the new government's priorities. Whether the measures outlined today amount to a Big Bang or a damp squib will depend on the timetable.

"We note the urgency placed on Lords reform. We of course welcome steps to modernise the Upper House, but the Commons is still the cockpit of our democracy. The crisis of trust in politics began in the Commons, and requires urgent attention, starting with the voting system.

The Society has also commented on suggestions that the plan to "reduce and equalise" the number of seats in the Commons go "hand in hand" with any referendum on changing the voting system.

"Plans to reduce and equalise seats in the Commons are a populist, but a very Red Herring. The government would be wise not to muddy the water by making reform of the voting system part of a bigger package.

"There are arguments to be had over the size of the Commons and what 'equalising seats' should even mean, but they are separate from the argument that we need to change the voting system."

Contacts

For more information, comment or interviews please contact Ashley Dé on 07968791684 or Dr Ken Ritchie on 07754165551

About us:

The Electoral Reform Society is campaigning to change the way we choose our politicians. We believe that a fair voting system will improve our democracy, allow politicians to better represent you the voter and help them to tackle the serious issues facing our society. Above all we believe that fairness, accountability and a real choice for voters should not be compromised.

The Mission of the Electoral Reform Society is to secure at all levels of representation an electoral system which will:

- Ensure all votes have equal value
- Give effective representation to all significant points of view within the electorate
- Allow electors to vote for their preferred candidates without fear of wasting their votes
- Ensure the accountability of individual representatives to their electorates

And that's why the Society advocates the use of the Single Transferable Vote (STV) in public elections.

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