[CivicAccess-discuss] ibelieveinopen: 51 candidates signed up

[Russell McOrmond]

Christopher D. Ritter wrote:
> I apologize if I sound ignorant, but could someone explain to an 
> American what 21 parties mean?

   Here is the Elections Canada database of candidates, divided by the 
party listed.

http://www.digital-copyright.ca/election2008/candidates

   Only a few are credible parties running over 300 of 308 federal 
ridings, plus the Bloc which is .. well .. special.

> We've got the Green Party that is somewhat popular, but I'm having a 
> hard time wrapping my head around 21 parties.

   While the Liberals and the Conservatives continue to try to drive us 
towards the US-style two-party (or 1.2 party, depending on how you count 
it ;-) system, but we have others that would prefer a more International 
style system that includes more voices.

   Canada, USA, UK and India are the only countries still using the 
antiquated First Past the Post voting system.

-- 
  Russell McOrmond, Internet Consultant: <http://www.flora.ca/>
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