MMP

Mixed-member proportional representation - MMP

I do not have as much info on MMP that I would like. I am sure that MMP can be a viable options, however, I would need lots more info and discussion on this system. MMP was the other system that the Citizens' Assembly of Electoral Reform (BC) was considering but choose STV over MMP.

It is used widely in some form or another, the list I posted earlier is not as complete as I would like. It seems that the United Kingdom and Italy and even Venezuela use some form of MMP. In Canada there has been attempts to move to this system in 2004, 2005 and 2007, none of these were passed.

Some opponents to the STV criticize STV as being too complicated and confusing. This maybe true for MMP.

In Italy and in other places that have MMP there has been problems with what is called "Decoy Lists" that can be used to manipulate elections.

There really needs to be a lot more information on this option of ELECTORAL REFORM before it can really be considered.

The one part of MMP that does get my interest is that, MMP makes allowance for Geographic Constituency. With Canada being so large in land-size and relatively small in population it does isolate some of the citizens who live in the North. I know in British Columbia the large majority of citizens live in the LOWER-MAINLAND and this is where most of the seats are located. I know that the citizens who live in the INTERIOR and the NORTH often feel left-out on issues.

I know that generally in a DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM the focus is on REPRESENTATION by POPULATION. In Canada's case where the majority of the POPULATION is concentrated in a small southern part, and the rest of the country is less dense, it maybe a consideration to make some allowance for representing the less populated areas.

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MMP is a form of Proportional Representation (PR). Proportional Representation is often some form of complicated formula between the Citizenship and the Representation in the Governing House. It is often this formula of Representation that can be complicated. STV is not this form of Proportional Representation. The Proportional Representation is often a process where the more fringe Political Parties can have some Representation in the Seats of Government. As an example the 'Communist Party' (CP) often receives less than 10% of the votes in elections, some feel that they should have some seat representation in the Governing House, as they do have a small but steady representation of CITIZENS. This is what creates the COMPLICATIONS, as to accommodate these Fringe Parties there is a need for a formula as to how VOTES ARE TRANSFORMED TO GOVERNMENT SEATS.