Michael Smyth of The Province reports that the NDP’s provincial council in British Columbia endorsed a quota system two weeks ago for women and other “under-represented groups” as riding candidates in the 2009 election: “Persons of colour, gay/lesbian/bi/transgendered people, youth, aboriginal peoples and persons with disabilities.”
Thirty per cent of ridings not currently held by the NDP would be designated as “women-only” seats, where only women would be allowed to seek the 2009 nomination.
Another 10 per cent of non-incumbent ridings would be reserved for the other under-represented groups.
Current NDP MLAs would be safe from the quotas, but if an MLA decides to retire, that seat would be automatically declared women-only “to ensure that women are running in seats where NDP candidates have previously been elected.”
As you might imagine, this could create some controversy. NDP nomination races are often hotly contested local tussles among long-time party activists and campaigners.
Some riding associations might not appreciate the party brass ordering them to run a female, gay or physically challenged candidate.
This could work against the NDP’s grass-roots foundation, and potentially lose valuable seats when the time comes, as well as severing candidates who are better qualified to represent the masses.
