Voting Systems. Part Five.

The 12 suggested systems are then made public. Two weeks after this the four committees meet as one and, after agreeing on any amendments that would facilitate the amalgamation of any systems that are broadly similar, they then list the remaining systems, both amended or original in order of preference and again state what they consider to be the advantages and disadvantages of each suggested system. These findings are then made public and are formally submitted to the UK Supreme Court for their advice as to whether they infringe any current UK laws, with particular reference to those covering Human Rights. There are, I am sure, internationally acclaimed academics who have studied voting systems and at this stage their comments should be formally invited on the "home grown" systems. Also at this stage the public are invited to put any concerns about any of the suggestions to their MP, before or at, two meetings with their MP held in their constituency. Finally the suggestions are discussed in the House of Commons and in a free vote, three of the suggestions are chosen to be placed before the electorate in a referendum. At least it can be claimed that MPs were given every opportunity to "Get it Right".

I feel that legislation is urgently needed to lay down clear cut "musts" in regard to candidates having to prove long residential and/or "working in" links with the constituency in which they wish to stand. Having stated that, it follows, that I must favour the selection of a voting system that ensures that the person selected to be an MP has legally confirmed ties with the constituency they will represent.

Whatever voting system selected in a referendum is used, it obviously has the approval of those qualified to vote. I have suggested that three systems are exposed to the public in a referendum in the hope that three suggestions are clearly enough, if it is thought otherwise then more options could be offered. When I say it will not be easy I must hope that I am proved to be totally wrong. However please click on "Voting Systems" if you have several hours/days to spare! Thank you.

Frederick W Gilling. Wednesday 19 May 2010.