This forms part of the party’s submission to the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel.
As a responsible and democratic political party, it is our duty to actively participate in discussions and consultations that aim to improve our electoral system. We believe that the electoral process is the cornerstone of a fair and just society, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it is continuously evolving to meet the needs and expectations of our citizens.
With this in mind, we are pleased to present our submission to the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel. This submission is the result of extensive research, discussions, and consultations with our members, experts, and citizens. We have taken into consideration the current state of our electoral system, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Our submission is based on three key principles: fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. We firmly believe that these principles are essential for a strong and effective electoral system that truly represents the will of the people.
First and foremost, fairness is the foundation of any electoral system. It is crucial that every vote counts and that the outcome of an election accurately reflects the choices of the citizens. In this regard, we propose the implementation of a mixed-member proportional (MMP) system. This system combines the benefits of both the first-past-the-post (FPTP) and proportional representation (PR) systems, ensuring a fair and balanced representation of all voters.
Under the MMP system, voters will have two votes – one for a local representative and one for a political party. This will not only give voters more options but also ensure that smaller parties are not marginalized. The number of seats allocated to each party will be determined by the percentage of votes they receive, thus providing a more accurate representation of the people’s choices.
Secondly, transparency is crucial for building trust in the electoral process. We believe that all aspects of the electoral process, from campaigning to vote counting, should be transparent and open to public scrutiny. To achieve this, we propose the establishment of an independent electoral commission. This commission will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the electoral process, ensuring that it is fair, free, and transparent.
The commission will also be responsible for enforcing strict regulations on campaign financing. We believe that the influence of money in politics is a threat to the integrity of the electoral process. Therefore, we propose limits on campaign spending and strict disclosure requirements for all donations. This will not only level the playing field for all parties but also prevent any undue influence on the outcome of the election.
Last but not least, inclusivity is a fundamental aspect of a democratic society. We believe that every citizen, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have the right to participate in the electoral process. To achieve this, we propose the implementation of online and advance voting options. This will make it easier for citizens with disabilities, those living in remote areas, and those with busy schedules to exercise their right to vote.
Furthermore, we propose the implementation of mandatory voting. This will not only increase voter turnout but also ensure that the government is truly representative of the entire population. We also propose the lowering of the voting age to 16, as we believe that young people should have a say in shaping the future of their country.
In conclusion, we believe that our submission to the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel is a step towards a more fair, transparent, and inclusive electoral system. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and that their choices are accurately reflected in the outcome of the election. We urge the panel to consider our proposals and take them into account in their recommendations for electoral reform.
We are confident that with the implementation of these reforms, our electoral system will become a model for other countries to follow. We look forward to a future where every citizen can have faith in the fairness and integrity of our electoral process. Let us work together to build a stronger and more democratic society for all.
