Comments on: World election news – April 7

By: David Walsh

David Walsh — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:12:08 +0000

OK, so STV is more widespread than I thought. Still, it leaves me wondering why these places generally only utilise preferences when using PR, when it is arguably less necessary.

As for your last point, I think any form of open list PR can allow for “individualist politics”. That’s separate from STV vs DH/SL. Our Senate system is quasi closed list because of above-the-line voting.

By: Ben Raue

Ben Raue — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:16:23 +0000

Well, actually, STV is the orthodox PR system for the english-speaking world. While MMP has been used in New Zealand, Scotland and Wales in the last few years, STV is used in Ireland (both north and south), Malta and local government elections in New Zealand and Scotland, not to mention all the uses in Australia.

An STV system also allows more room for individualistic politics, outside of strict party controls, which more reflects the way that party politics works in the Anglosphere.

By: David Walsh

David Walsh — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:41:28 +0000

What I find odd about the British Colombia proposal is that this comes from a country with no history of STV/IRV.

I think preferences are the best method of election for single member constituencies, but I do have my reservations when it comes to multi-member constituencies.

I wonder why they didn’t choose a more orthodox PR system like D’Hondt or Sainte Lague.

By: Ben Raue

Ben Raue — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:41:54 +0000

Yeah, I forgot about BC. I’ll try and get something up about them soon.

Personally I find the referendum on STV interesting. And, as Mackerras pointed out, May 12 2009 is the hundredth anniversary of the first proportionally-elected Parliament in Australia sitting for the first time (the Tasmanian House of Assembly).

By: Stewart J

Stewart J — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:26:51 +0000

Things globally electoral – noticed the British Colombia polls for the provincial election on May 12?
http://www.nodice.ca/elections/britishcolumbia/
Seems the Greens are running between 11-18% (depending on the pollster) – don’t know if this means seats or a spoiler for the NDP.

By: Walshy

Walshy — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:52:16 +0000

That Fairfax article describes Tagliaferri as “a factional opponent of Mr McGinty” and “not a Labor Party member”. Que?

Re the post above, Nate’s April rundown must be just about due. (Watch Connecticut climb up the chart.)

By: Simon Copland

Simon Copland — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:49:10 +0000

Definitely some interesting elections coming up. It will be interesting to see how the new party ‘COPE’ will go in South Africa. Although I expect Zuma will become the president I am thinking that COPE (a splinter from the ANC) will have some effect on the election.

WA will also be interesting. I think the race in Fremantle is shaping up to be quite good and I think it will prove both a real test for the Greens and the ALP.

Also, for anyone interested, I found an article on the Senate Races in the US in 2010 (obviously not upcoming, but still interesting). Have a look! http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=67886306023&h=JyRhI&u=ogqBU&ref=mf