Bill Paterson is admirably clear on the faults and flaws of the various electoral systems currently in use in Scotland at different elections. Like him, I believe the single transferable vote (STV), while still not perfect, gives a more accurate representation of how an electorate voted than most other systems. The downside is that it can lead to horse-trading among parties once the result is in, but what system doesn't? Even first-past-the-post (FPTP), especially when more than two parties are involved, results in either horse-trading or an outcome grossly unrepresentative of the way people actually voted.
There is absolutely zero prospect of electoral reform coming from Westminster, as the present system undoubtedly suits the Conservative Party and until very recently suited the Labour Party, which would no doubt find it still does should it ever again form a UK Government. The adoption of STV for Scottish elections should happen regardless of what is going on at Westminster, but would surely be a positive feature of an independent Scotland.
James Robertson
SR published a most innovative article last week in
the Cafe on the need for 'reforms' in Scottish governance. Might I suggest that this could become a furrow worth following with a regular feature offered to the public.
Thom Cross
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