Morovia Debates STV Switch
BRIESK - A proposal calling for a change in how election ballots are counted has sparked a nationwide debate. Progressive Peter Krembs started the conversation, suggesting that the community would benefit by switching from its current First Passed the Post (FPTP) method to the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. The proposal has generated significant controversy, with Krembs drawing support among fellow Progressives, one Conservative, and a few independents, while the Conservative Party and Democratic Centre leadership are united in their opposition.Former Peoples Representative Iain Lindley is a proponent of the change, and he argued, "Despite the complexity STV is the best way to elect a 3-member assembly. Under multi-member FPTP you can romp home in first place despite being everyone's third preference. It shouldn't be too difficult to count either with a limited number of votes."
"Under no circumstances will I accept STV as an acceptable method to count votes," responded Conservative Leader David Oatney while campaigning in Valois, "and if it is determined that this is the method to be used, I will file a protest for the Conservative Party and may boycott the election-if other Conservatives insist on it, I shall resign my Leadership in the Conservative Party and I will not stand for election."
The Democratic Centre joined in opposition. Jacobus B.S. Kahunamea told a crowd of hippies at Victoria University, "I have had opportunity to watch it [STV] in action, and results can easily be skewed beyond the intention of the electorate. This system would help our party, as the Centre would likely be the second choice of both right and left, but King and Country before Party."
According to Wikipedia, STV is a preferential voting system designed to minimize wasted votes and provide proportional representation while ensuring that votes are explicitly for candidates rather than party lists. It achieves this by using multi-seat constituencies (districts) and by transferring votes that would otherwise be wasted. STV initially allocates an individual's vote to their most preferred candidate, and then subsequently transfers unneeded or unused votes after candidates are either elected or eliminated, according to the voter's stated preferences.
As of 2007, it is in use in several micronations, most notably the Virtual Commonwealth of Cyberia.
The parties also rejected a compromise put forward by Steven Foong, and the Conservative Party is set to adopt a resolution formalizing its opposition to STV before the week's end. Absent Royal Assembly legislative action, the King has indicated there will be no change without community consensus.
posted by The Editors @ 18:24
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