The Liberals are considering an American style primary process to select their next leader, where they would hold individual votes in a number of different cities to see who comes out on top. Today's poll question; is this a good idea? The alternative is a flawed convention process that last produced the futile and inept Stephane Dion to run for Prime Minister. Perhaps the results of the last Liberal leadership convention justifies the impetus to alter the selection process. The big question will be whether or not you'll have to be a paid card carrying Liberal to vote. In many American primaries, declared Democrats can vote for Republicans and visa versa.
Would I show up to vote for the next Liberal leader if they held an open primary in Vancouver? Probably, but I'd much rather vote in the NDP leadership race. Thus far the NDP race has a greater number of candidates who have a 0% chance of being elected Prime Minister in the next election. Having survived Bob Rae's Ontario, I could never mark his name on a ballot, even if I expected him to lose.
I think it's a great idea. The party could get a lot of coverage during the race which is good for them, but I like they idea that it could be adopted by other parties if all goes well. The process is definitely opened to flaws however, but if it can work in other places it should be able to work here. Unless they are able to get a variety of people interested in the leadership it may not work out great and people might not get interested.
ReplyDeleteWhatever is the cheapest will do. The Liberals can't afford to pay off their debts from the last Leadership race when Dion won
ReplyDeleteA longer campaign is going to take more money and Liberal candidates already have a poor track record of paying back their loans.
ReplyDeletewell shouldn't the liberals seize to exsist then and file for bankruptcy. why isn't that being brought up they cannot survive.
ReplyDeleteBad idea if there was already a new ruling in place for one member one vote. This smells like the establishment is attempting to maintain the delegated process.....one that can be coopted by the inner circle.
ReplyDeleteThis would cost far more than any party could afford, and it is open to back room maneuvering........then again we are taking about the lpc.