By Krishan Bector
Recent Provincial Election concluded on May 14,2014 shows stunning results.
NDP has been taken by surprise as they expected a landslide victory, now, however, they will have to be content with being only as the Official Opposition Party. Christy Clark though she lost her own seat will rule with her team of 49 strong MLAs ,a fifty-fifty mix of new and experienced ones Now, minority NDP will have to wait for four years to see what legislation can they defeat in a subdued voice.
In a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of people. That really is not true. Instead ,decisions are made by a minority of people who make themselves heard and vote. Where only 58% of the registered voters cast their vote and 42% stay home, the elected legislators are not truly representatives of all the electors. If those 42% had voted, the political scenario could have been different. It can be a fair assumption that NDP could have been on the saddle after this election.
Canada ranks among the lowest in voter turnout in western countries. It is of paramount importance to ensure that all the voters go to polls, but unfortunately they don’t, in-spite of what Election Canada is doing by defining days for Advance Voting , sending units in the hospitals, providing facility for voting by mail, etc, still the outcome is frustrating. In addition to it, campaigning candidates do their utmost to persuade voters to push them to polls, put up signs, small and big, hang door hangers, arrange BBQs, door knockings and phoning. Sorry ! In-spite of all this the voters don’t budge. That shows, there is a grave flaw in the system Where creation of awareness fails, there legislation succeeds. Something needs to be done to shake the slumber of stay away voters. Why not follow the example of the countries that have tackled poor turnout in the elections.
Follow Australia’s Example
Compulsory voting is the only solution. Yes, voting is compulsory for every citizen aged 18 or older
in Australia . When it was found out that the turnout is dismal ,a private member’s bill to
amend the Electoral Act was introduced in 1924 in the Senate by Senator H.J.M Payne sponsored in the House of Representatives by Edward Martin. It was only the third private member’s bill passed into law since 1901. The impact was immediate, with turnout at the 1925 election rising to 91%. There are currently 32 countries with compulsory voting, of which 19 including Australia pursue it through enforcement.
Now the question is : what happens if you do not vote in Australia. To which it has been laid out in clear terms : initially the Australian Electoral Commission will write to all apparent non-voters requesting that they either provide a reason for their failure to vote or pay $20 penalty. If, within 21 days, the apparent non-voter fails to reply, cannot provide a valid and sufficient reason or declines to pay the penalty, then prosecution proceedings may be instigated. The matter is dealt in the court, if the person is found guilty, he or she may be fined up to $50.00 plus court costs. Compulsory voting system is truly representative. Victorious political leaders of compulsory system may claim a higher degree of political legitimacy than those of non-compulsory system with lower voter turnout. The victorious candidates represent a majority of population ,not just the politically motivated individuals.
At the time of applying for citizenship in Canada an option is given to the applicant if his/her name should be sent to Election Canada. Many don’t wish their names to be sent there. Despite being
citizens they don’t exercise their right to vote. This choice shouldn’t be given, rather citizenship be given on the condition that you will be required to vote. It may be a far-fetched assumption, still to make a point,
if all were to say that my name shouldn’t be sent to Election Canada, then it would be difficult to find sufficient number of electors for the election.
As there is a spending limit of $73,000 ( $73218.39) for those running for a seat for the chamber. The Australian system would ensure a lot of saving.
Negative campaigning, mud-slinging should be banned, If someone resorts to this ,that candidate
should be disqualified. In the recent election I have picked a flyer which is a blatant personal attack
on a candidate to mutilate his image . No one should do that or allowed to stoop so low. Fair elections, compulsory voting will lead to the formation of popular government, truly representative of the citizens.
If other countries can employ enforcement ,Canada can also do it to push people to polls.
