John Vogel's, State opposition spokesperson for Local Government, comments advocating a "first-past-the-post" voting system (Herald Sun Nov 28) demonstrates his inability to understand the mechanics and principles of Australia's democratic elections.
Link to original article in the Herald-Sun
First-past-the-post elections are not the solution to the perceived problem of "dummy" candidates, they will always exist, genuine or not.
At least with a preferential ballot voters are given a choice to determine who they elect to represent them with the assurance that a candidate must receive and absolute majority (50% + 1) of voters support
Under a first-past-the-post election a candidate can be elected with less then 35% of the vote, as was the case with George Bush's election in 2000, the only requirement being that they have the highest minoity number of votes as opposed to a majority.
Give me a majority elected candidate over a minority supported candidate any day.
Democracy is not perfect but it is the best system we have.
Australia should stand proud of its preferential voting system and not pander to the ill informed.
Other Countries such as England, The United States Canada and Ukraine would be better off if they adopted our preferential voting system.
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