How Minorites Rule.

Patea Mail, 16 June 1882, Page 2

How Minorites Rule.

. This curious fact is revealed in connection with the general election under democratic suffrage in this colony. Out of 92 members elected, no less than 26 were returned by a minority of those voting in each constituency. This is caused by three or more members standing for one seat; a majority of votes being wasted on two candidates, and a minority concentrating their votes on the third, and so returning him. It comes to this, that about one-fourth of the present members in Parliament are representing the views of minorities. This is a dangerous departure from the wholesome principle that the majority shall rule. A few votes taken froin one side of the House and added to the other would at present upset a Ministry, and change the current of legislation. It is hardly safe to say that these 26 minority members are equally divided in the House. It is quite likely that a few more are on one side than on the other. If only three more are on one side, they represent a difference of 6 votes in a division ; and we know that a difference of 6 votes might easily upset a Ministry in the present close balance of parties. Thus it comes about that the present system of allowing 26 members to sit for minority constituents may result in defeating the will of a majority in the colony. A system which admits of this unfairness is bad, and should be changed. Instead of considering bow a change would affect the fortunes of one party, we should rather consider how a change would affect the only sound principle of representation—namely that a majority shall rule, and shall not be prevented from ruling by a mere accident. A remedy can be provided against the accidental return of minority members. If it be found that the highest candidate does not represent a majority of the voters who actually polled; then let

the lowest candidate stand out, and have the ballot taken again. In this manner, if there are three or four candidates for one seat, and if the highest does not secure a majority of those polling, there will be a second ballot, in which the lowest candidate shall stand out, so that the member ultimately elected shall represent an actnal majority of those who care to vote in that constituency. # . There is another principle operating at Home, namely, the representation of minorities; bat there is this clear difference, that where a large constituency returns three members, like Manchester, Liverpool, &c,, the addition of the third member has not deprived the majority of their right to return two members, as against the third minority member. In this colony, each constituency having only one seat to fill, a minority in that constituency may have put their man in the seat, because the majority were induced to split their strength between two candidates, both of whom fell just short of the third candidate. In such case, the majority lose their representation during three years, till the next election gives a new turn to this political game of chance.