Global News – B.C. Premier John Horgan says he is opposed to using closed lists when selecting MLAs if British Columbia goes to a proportional voting system.

The province is in the midst of a electoral reform referendum where the public is being asked to weigh in on keeping the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system or moving to a system of proportional representation (PR).

In one of the three possible proportional system, mixed member proportional (MMP), up to 40 per cent of the MLAs elected will be chosen from a party list rather than being directly chosen by voters.

NDP MLA Bowinn Ma and No side representative Bill Tieleman debated the issue Friday on Global News’ Focus BC.

When asked about why she was in favour of PR, Ma said any of three proposed systems would provide a better reflection in the legislature of all votes cast.

“I believe in the promise of democracy. I believe all voices matter. I believe all votes should count towards the end result of an election,” said Ma.

“It means legislatures and government are much more reflective of the diversity of political opinions that exist in the province.”

But when asked to explain the confusion over the three different proportional options on the ballot, Ma said that decision is less important than the overall issue of changing the voting system.

“You don’t have to answer question two,” said Ma. “The fundamental question is question one.”

The NDP has also passed legislation that would mandate a second referendum after two elections under PR, if the system changes.

Read the full story here on Global News: https://globalnews.ca/news/4625347/b-c-premier-opposed-to-closed-lists-in-selecting-mlas-under-proportional-systems/