Date: July 18th, 2007 - Rajab 3, 1428 Volume: 10 Issue: 78
CICPAC Rejects Proposed New System To Elect MPPs In Ontario
TORONTO -- The Canadian Islamic Congress Political Action Committee - Ontario Region (CICPAC-Ont) is recommending against the adoption of a proposed new system to elect MPPs to Queen’s Park.
When voters go to the polls across Ontario on October 10, they will also be asked: "Which electoral system should Ontario use to elect members to the provincial legislature?"
They will be asked to indicate one of two choices: "The existing electoral system (first-past-the-post)" or "the alternative electoral system proposed by the citizens' assembly (mixed member proportional)."
And in studying the assembly’s choice of an alternate process called mixed member proportional (MMP), CICPAC warns that this could bring more disadvantages than improvements.
Under the proposed MMP system, Ontarians would cast two votes -- one for a local candidate and another for the party of their choice. Additional membership in the Legislature would be supplemented by candidates from party lists.
"This means that nearly 40 MPPs would not be directly accountable to voters, thus undermining the democratic system," CICPAC said.
Furthermore, a mixed member proportional system threatens to further marginalize minorities who are not politically active. CICPAC urged all Ontarians to be fully informed committed multi issue voters on October 10.
"The current system of electing MPPs may not be perfect but it has served Ontario voters well," CICPAC-Ontario added.
CICPAC also expressed concern today over recent polls showing there is still widespread unfamiliarity among Ontarians about both current and proposed electoral systems.
"We hope that Elections Ontario will fulfill its role as a neutral body in fully educating voters so as to make informed decisions," CICPAC concluded.
CONTACTS:
Khurrum Awan,
Youth Chapter President
(416) 712-5209
Mrs. Wahida Valiante,
National VP
(647) 802-8024
Imam Dr. Zijad Delic,
National ED
(613) 698-8469
Dr. Mohamed Elmasry,
National President
(519) 498-1350
