Proportional representation

Press, 19 July 1988, Page 12

Proportional representation

Sir, —Historians will be interested in John Wood’s news (July 14) that two world wars ; would not have occurred but for . proportional representation. Under our electoral system Nazis would still have been well represented in the German Parliament, and might even have had a majority of seats. Italy (whose system of proportional representation is not that proposed here), is far more prosperous than we are and stable, despite the reshuffles dramatically depicted to us as “crises.” France has rejected proportional representation only for reasons of politics and private advantage. With proportional representation we wmuld never have had the think-big projects, and much present painful restructuring would be unnecessary. New Zealanders can pull together and sacrifice present ease for future prosperity without being forced to by bullying governments. Mr Wood is, alas, right in one thing. Politics in New Zealand is about gaining power, not using it wisely. Proportional representa- \ tion will force a modicum of • wisdom on governments.—Yours, etc. D. J. ROUND. July 14, 1988.

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