POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE COMING ELECTIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25299, 9 August 1943, Page 2

POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE COMING ELECTIONS

Sir,—ln Mr W. Downie Stewart’t treat, ment of the above subject, as reported in your issue of yesterday, there is a vital feature missing -which of necessity renders the subsequent development of his theme an argument in circles. The part which is missing is an explicit definition of the function of a Government. It is obvious that until such a definition be given it is of little use discussing different types of Government. If it be admitted as a working definition that the function of Government is to safeguard and maintain at its highest possible level the welfare of all the citizens under its care, then- it is clear that a (government conducted on the party system interposes between itself and the attainment of its ideal a rival interest, thus dividing its loyalty. As a matter of historical fact, this divided, usually diverted, loyalty has seriously militated against disinterested service to every section of the community.—l am, etc., Wm. W. MacArthur. Opoho, August 5. Sir,—Mr W. Downie Stewart states the case for a two-party Parliament very ably. Stated briefly, he argues that a one-party Government tends towards totalitarianism as in Germany, and three or more major parties without a working majority pause instability and confusion as in France. With this reasoning most people will agree. Mr Downie Stewart welcomes the advent of several new parties and numerous Independent candidates in the forthcoming election as an indication of a healthy interest in politics on the part of the general public. It also indicates a good deal of dissatisfaction with both the major parties at present in Parliament. The danger of the candidature of several persons in an election contest is vote-spitting, with the chance of one being returned on a minority vote. This has happened frequently in the past, and is likely to happen again under our present electoral system. Many electors feel constrained to vote for one of the major parties against their own convictions, in order to prevent this from happening. They are actually forced to vote for a candidate they do not want merely to prevent one whom they consider, even less desirable from gaining office. Thi* is a most unsatisfactory state of affairs. It makes a farce of democracy. Is it not possible to devise a voting system whereby the candidate who possesses the greatest measure of support in his electorate can be returned to Parliament? Australia has a system of preferential voting which appears to achieve the desired result. No doubt it is more costly and involved, but if it gives satisfaction to the people and a fair run to every candidate 'it is well worth while. Both Labour and National Parties face the danger of vote-splitting in the coming election, but up to now appear to have done nothing about it. If the Government will not take up the question of electoral reform only the pressure of public opinion can move them to it.—l am, etc., Countryman.