AV Referendum

There are many good reasons to vote for AV just as there are many good reasons to not vote for AV. There are also many bad reasons, for and against; Labour may want to derail the possibility of Nick Clegg’s Liberal Democrats redeeming credibility off the back of a successful yes campaign, staunch Conservatives may seek to exert some superiority over the liberal factions in their coalition whilst seasoned electoral reform advocates may turn their noses up at the tepid compromise that AV represents to some. A referendum may also represent an extra playground in which to throw mud at our political opponents, a rhetoric free-for-all bereft of the parliamentary responsibility imposed by the normal decision making process. In succumbing to the temptation of any of these however we are failing to realise the true potential that this referendum offers us.

As proponents of the concept of democracy as a tool with which to govern we have a duty to enhance the system as and when we can, to ensure we are operating with the most democratic procedures as we can. As subjective as debating the nuances of democracy can be there are still areas of objectivity that should inform the nature of the AV conversation. If you’re reading this then chances are that you are a member of the engaged minority: an anomalous group who have taken up a personal interest and responsibility in the running of this country. You may also be a member of a political party. Let me then place you into a hypothetical situation; a new voting system has been designed and is unanimously agreed as being the most democratic system, it also decimates the number of MPs one of the main political parties would gain if a general election was called immediately. How would the members of that party vote? It is probably fair to say that they would vote against. I would take issue with this decision.

Setting the hyperbole of the example aside there are lessons to take away. If the most democratic voting system does not translate into elected members for a certain political party the system should not be immediately rejected, no past successes or reputation entitle a party to an election win. It is most likely the messages and policies of the campaigners that have failed to win votes and not the system which has failed to represent voting intentions. As voters, activists and leaders we have an overwhelming responsibility to protect and develop the democratic practices of the country; I would rather be a singular voice in a country of proud democratic practices where the power rests with the governed than the leader of a national party that draws success from a system where the opinion of the electorate is not the main guiding force of the government.

May’s referendum offers us a rare opportunity to reassess our voting system whilst receiving a direct mandate for implementation from the electorate. We would be wise not to sully the decision making process with our own party political biases but instead to construct a conversation informed solely by the democratic values of the voting systems on offer.

Happy campaigning.