The Christian Party has welcomed news that a referendum is to take place next year on electoral reform.
The referendum on May 5, 2011, will ask the public whether they want to change voting in elections from the traditional first-past-the-post system (FPTP) to proportional representation, or the alternative vote system (AV).
The Rev George Hargreaves, leader of the Christian Party, said: “AV proportional representation could be the mechanism that the Christian Party need for electoral breakthrough.
“The Christian Party has suffered from the fear of Christian voters that their vote will be wasted if they vote for us, despite sharing our beliefs and conviction that a specific Christian party presence is needed in Westminster.
“The Alternative Vote system, if properly understood, provides an insurance policy that will deal with this problem."
The referendum was one of the conditions put forward by the Lib Dems when they agreed to enter into a coalition government with the Tories.
It is unpopular with many Conservatives who believe any change to the rules will increase the likelihood of elections resulting in hung parliaments and coalition governments, while the FPTP system typically delivers a clear winner.
Prime Minister David Cameron is opposed to any change but is unlikely to lead the No campaign, while Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg is likely to lead the charge for the Yes vote.
It will be the first referendum held in Britain since the public voted to stay in the Common Market in 1975.
Most Popular
Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
A mother’s love: a reflection of God’s heart
Mother’s Day is upon us and if you’re still searching for the perfect gift, maybe this article found you right on time.
The medieval origins of Mothering Sunday
What is most significant is that the particular tradition of ‘Mothering Sunday’ – as found in the UK, Ireland and some Commonwealth countries – has its roots in an event that is much older than the US celebration and the commercial card-giving and gift-giving that the US event has inspired. And these roots express Christian beliefs and practices.
How the world’s oldest story of a women’s rights campaign is the Bible
What is probably the world’s first recorded successful women’s rights campaign is in the Bible. Here is the story ...
Who are some of the most significant mothers of the Bible?
On Mothering Sunday, we can remember the famous mothers of the Bible. Many of these mothers played an important role not only in the Bible, but also in history and theology. This is the story …