A simple proportional system

There is now much concern about the manipulation of the Senate's proportional representation system

The Dutch Party List system is much simpler and only one cross is required.

There are no above and under the line options.

All parties participating submit a list of chosen candidates for the ballot paper.

The order of the candidates is determined by the party but it is possible for voters to prefer another than No 1.

The party gains the number of candidates according to the number of times they achieve the quota.

While most voters will accept the order of candidates provided, some may prefer to cast their vote for a candidate lower on the party list.

This could help that candidate to be elected in preference over one preferred by the party.

The order of the lists on the ballot paper is decided by lot in a similar way as is done here for the Senate.

The advantage is that all this is above board and voters do have choices both for parties and candidates, with just one mark next to one candidate.

The outcome remains proportional, that is, parties gain seats in proportion to votes cast for them.

Simple and not open to abuse.

Recommended for all parliaments in Australia.

End two party tyranny.

Klaas Woldring, Pearl Beach