Comments on: Positive Points for Open Primaries http://www.wilsondan.co.uk/2009/08/22/positive-points-for-open-primaries/ Digital consultant, eBay expert, writer & blogger. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:48:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Nancy Platts http://www.wilsondan.co.uk/2009/08/22/positive-points-for-open-primaries/comment-page-1/#comment-41562 Nancy Platts Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:56:51 +0000 http://www.wilsondan.co.uk/?p=1400#comment-41562 I think open primaries are an interesting experiment but my concern is that the Tories use of them still won't address the lack of diversity in the House of Commons and amongst their own MPs. It is Labour's positive use of All Women Shortlists that have made the real difference here. I think open primaries are an interesting experiment but my concern is that the Tories use of them still won’t address the lack of diversity in the House of Commons and amongst their own MPs. It is Labour’s positive use of All Women Shortlists that have made the real difference here.

]]> By: Neil Harding http://www.wilsondan.co.uk/2009/08/22/positive-points-for-open-primaries/comment-page-1/#comment-41543 Neil Harding Sun, 23 Aug 2009 00:55:40 +0000 http://www.wilsondan.co.uk/?p=1400#comment-41543 In Sweden they have regional open-list PR. There is a ballot paper for each party. You pick up a ballot paper for the party you want to vote for and then list their candidates in your order of preference - proportional results and open primaries in one election - cheaper and gives far more choice to the electorate. In Sweden they have regional open-list PR. There is a ballot paper for each party. You pick up a ballot paper for the party you want to vote for and then list their candidates in your order of preference – proportional results and open primaries in one election – cheaper and gives far more choice to the electorate.

]]> By: dw http://www.wilsondan.co.uk/2009/08/22/positive-points-for-open-primaries/comment-page-1/#comment-41541 dw Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:34:54 +0000 http://www.wilsondan.co.uk/?p=1400#comment-41541 Andrew: I'm becoming increasingly interested in multi-member constituencies for the Commons and starting to wonder if it's actually one way of edging towards PR incrementally. dw Andrew:

I’m becoming increasingly interested in multi-member constituencies for the Commons and starting to wonder if it’s actually one way of edging towards PR incrementally.

dw

]]> By: Andrew http://www.wilsondan.co.uk/2009/08/22/positive-points-for-open-primaries/comment-page-1/#comment-41540 Andrew Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:11:36 +0000 http://www.wilsondan.co.uk/?p=1400#comment-41540 If memory serves, Jim Hacker also noted that open primaries would give power to the people. He was eventually convinced that a further advantage was more important: open primaries weaken the power of the central party machine over the eventually elected MP. A locally popular, rebelliously minded member may have less to fear when it comes to reselection in a system of truly open primaries. It is also worth noting the similarity between open primaries and PR systems with multi-member constituencies and open party lists. As Hanson and Walles point out, such a system also empowers the disenfranchised and, I suspect, would similarly weaken the centre. I hope this isn't why our party lists are closed. If memory serves, Jim Hacker also noted that open primaries would give power to the people. He was eventually convinced that a further advantage was more important: open primaries weaken the power of the central party machine over the eventually elected MP. A locally popular, rebelliously minded member may have less to fear when it comes to reselection in a system of truly open primaries.

It is also worth noting the similarity between open primaries and PR systems with multi-member constituencies and open party lists. As Hanson and Walles point out, such a system also empowers the disenfranchised and, I suspect, would similarly weaken the centre. I hope this isn’t why our party lists are closed.

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