Antillian Constitutional Convention

[True Federalist]

Egbert Dudley (ALP-New Ulster)

Also, I would like to inquire as to why Mr. Hordern believes us all sinners and that there isn't a man among us who would act in a nonpartisan manner?

I do not believe that there are none who could act impartially as a presiding officer, but to expect any of us here to eschew all partisanship and political activity at this time and under the circumstances we now face goes against all history and human experience.

Mr. Khan rises...

In response to Mr. Hordern's question, indeed I do. I am looking for a Speaker much like the British Speaker of the House of Commons. Investing the Speaker with ceremonial Head of State duties would not be a great stretch. If Britain has been able to convince one of its MPs to set aside party politics for centuries, then I hope that Antillia can at least do the same.

The British Speakership has been non-partisan only since the mid-19th century, and thus not even for two centuries has that pertained.  Furthermore, the United Kingdom had by that time established a strong two-party tradition.  We currently have seven parties, none of which has even a quarter of the membership of this convention, and it would be reasonable to assume that the first legislative body convened under this will be of a similar character.

As to the measure at hand, nay.

[ilikeverin]

Well, what a disgusting idea, joining the Commonwealth.  But an Antillian Head of State is better than none.

I vote "Aye" to moving it to a vote.  Or, if we're voting on it, I vote "Aye" again.

[Χahar]

We are voting on it.

The count stands at 7 Aye, 1 Nay.

[Dr. Cynic]

Egbert Dudley

A majority has been reached. I motion to close the vote.

[Χahar]

Mr. Khan rises...

Now, I would like to discuss appropriation of districts. I think that each province should elect 2 MPs, with the rest elected at-large by some form of porportional representation. This would allow Francophones and Indians to be guaranteed representation while retaining proportionality.

[Hashemite]

Jack Cooke (PC)

I would propose a system similar to the one proposed in Ontario or the one used in Germany, namely Mixed Member Proportional. Districts based on population, and the rest of the seats elected through party-list proportional representation.

[ilikeverin]

My goodness, all this confusion.  Why do we not just apportion "MPs" by population, and then allow them to be elected in districts by first past the post?

[Χahar]

Mr. Khan rises...

In response to Mr. Jones' question, first past the post is not a very representative system. I would have no problem with Mr. Cooke's proposal, but I would prefer the system proposed in Ontario, which does not have overhang seats.

[HappyWarrior]

Hill(SDP-Reginia):  I would like to second Mr. Khan's motion.  I a fellow member of the SDP feel that it would be best for the whole of Antillian citizenry to have such a representation.

[Dr. Cynic]

Dudley

Third

[Hashemite]

Jack Cooke (PC)

For those unfamiliar with the Ontario system, which I have proposed and has apparently received support from Mrs. Khan, Hill, and Dudley, this page might help.

[Χahar]

Mrs. Khan

Um... Mr.

[Hashemite]

I meant Mrs. as Mr. plural

[The Man From G.O.P.]

I support a first past the post system.

[Χahar]

Mr. Khan rises...

I meant Mrs. as Mr. plural

That would actually be Messrs.

[afleitch]

Mr. Khan rises...

In response to Mr. Jones' question, first past the post is not a very representative system. I would have no problem with Mr. Cooke's proposal, but I would prefer the system proposed in Ontario, which does not have overhang seats.

I would also support such a system at this juncture

[True Federalist]

Douglas Hordern (SCP-Hesperia)

I support the concept of using an MMP system, but if we are keeping to our original intent of 50 MP's then 2 per province and 28 at-large gives somewhat too much weight to the less populated provinces.

If we adopt an MMP system, we need to do one of the following:
1. Reduce the number of provincial MP's to 1.
2. Apportion the provincial MP's by population instead of a flat rate.
3. Increase the size of Parliment to more than 50 MP's.

[Χahar]

Mr Khan rises...

I have no problem with reducing the number of provincial MPs to 1.

[Dr. Cynic]

Mr. Dudley (ALP-New Ulster) rises...

I have no reason to object to one provincial MP. I will support Mr. Hordern's motion.

[Platypus]

Vijay Prabhusanjil (SDP-Reginia)

I am in agreement with my colleague Mr. Khan in support of the first change as suggested by Mr. Hordern.

I am strongly opposed to a first-past-the-post voting system.

[Sibboleth]

A.E.Watson, ALP-New Wales

Not happy at this "provincial M.P's" idea.

[Hashemite]

Jack Cooke (PC)

I support Mr. Hordern's motion.

[The Man From G.O.P.]

I would like to introduce (if only to get us moving again) a motion that our Prime Minister (whenever they come to be) be held accountable, this should be achieved by holding a weekly session (feel free to amend for time and day) of taking questions from the leader of the determined opposition, as well as members of Parliament at large, the neutral speaker will have the increased responsibility of not only keeping the questions and the body in order, but also choosing at random who shall address the PM outside of the Leader of the Opposition (and other significant parties)

To set a base set of numbers to work with:

The Question Time (Proposed name: Prime Minister's Questions) shall be held once a week (OOC: probably over a few days for forum's sake) for 3 days, Tue-Thu, or Fri-Sun, this is to be decided by the PM due to the fact his participation is the most crucial.

The QT will include a minimum 5 questions asked by the Leader of the Opposition, to be responded in turn by the PM, leaving the PM with the final word.

The Speaker may extend this exchange based on judgement of the questions remaining to be asked and time limits.

The Speaker will halt any innapropriate questions (OOC: but not delete them from view) and keep the house commentary to a minimum.

[Dr. Cynic]

Egbert Dudley (ALP-New Ulster)

I would like to know exactly who the PM is going to be? I'm getting impatient with the lack of any kind of a plan here. It seems we're just kind of making things up as we go. Mr. Hordern's motion needs to be voted on first. Then maybe we can move to the next order of business. It's extremely difficult with out a Convention President to keep the order. Mr. Jones' personality was unfortunately not strong enough. We need a Convention President.

These are just the first things that need done. We have so much work to do.

[Sibboleth]

I think that Mr Dudley would make a fine gavel-basher.