NDP parliamentary leader Don Davies has introduced a private member’s bill that would compel floor crossers to face their voters before switching parties.
NDP leader introduces bill that would require floor crossers to face voters first
Crossing the floor seems to me to be anti-democratic. At the same time, taking a stance that you believe in, even if it goes against your fellow voters, seems honourable. Everything is shades of grey.
I don’t have a problem with floor crossing if it’s being done by an MP in the interest of best serving the will and priorities of their constituents as an elected representative. That said, if they ran on one platform and now are going to be loyal to another, I’m okay with them having to get a renewed mandate from their constituents. Floor crossing itself can be part of the democratic process. Getting a renewed mandate also seems to strengthen the democratic process.
Crossing the floor seems to me to be anti-democratic. At the same time, taking a stance that you believe in, even if it goes against your fellow voters, seems honourable. Everything is shades of grey.
I don’t have a problem with floor crossing if it’s being done by an MP in the interest of best serving the will and priorities of their constituents as an elected representative. That said, if they ran on one platform and now are going to be loyal to another, I’m okay with them having to get a renewed mandate from their constituents. Floor crossing itself can be part of the democratic process. Getting a renewed mandate also seems to strengthen the democratic process.