10 reasons to vote No to AV.

Later this year we are to be offered a referendum on replacing the First Past The Post (FPTP) electoral system with that of the Alternative Vote (AV)  for Westminster elections. Here are 10 good reasons to vote NO:

• AV will not substantially change the outcome from the present FPTP, so why bother?
• It might allow the candidate who came second (or even third) to win
• It would not be more proportional than the present system (not that I want proportional representation anyway).
• It runs counter to our political traditions; reformers may mock this but FPTP is generally accepted by the people. At least there is no popular movement for electoral reform other than among the chattering classes.
• It would spoil election night; many of us love that!
• It would unduly benefit the centre party as being the 'lesser of two evils'.
• It might curb radical political ideas that from time to time have invigorated our nation as each party becomes afraid of alienating the middle ground.
• FPTP recognises the social diversity of the nation; we tend to get the MPs we want; contrary to popular belief the vast majority of constituents are very happy with their MP, even if they did not vote for him or her.
• AV would do nothing to give a voice to minorities or smaller parties.
• The added mystery and complexity of the count would remove politics from the people; low turnout is has nothing to do with FPTP.

I am sure there are other good reasons for voting No in the referendum, but let this be my contribution for now.