3 Whitacre Mews, Stannary Street
London, SE11 4AB, United Kingdom
Telephone: (020) 7091 7091
Fax: (020) 7820 3131
Email: information@spuc.org.uk
SPUC calls for change to voting system for European elections
Westminster, 8 April 2004--The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has called for voters to be allowed to vote for candidates rather than parties in European parliament elections.
John Smeaton, SPUC's national director, said: "The present system
prevents British people from using their votes to express their views
on candidates' attitudes to specific issues. All they can do is vote
for a party. They cannot even show their preference among a party's
candidates.
"Candidates can be from the same party yet differ in their views on
crucial subjects such as abortion, embryo research and euthanasia.
Voters need to be able to choose candidates who will support pro-life
policies.
"In other EU countries, including those using proportional
representation, voters can specify candidates at European elections.
"The Government are desperate to improve on the low turnout at
previous European elections and propose to introduce 100% postal
voting in certain seats. Introducing a system that permitted greater
choice to voters might well help them achieve their objective of
increasing the percentage of electors voting."
SPUC is asking its supporters to approach local Euro-Parliamentary
candidates to put to them the following questions:
- Abortion and related activities, such as advising people how to get abortions, are promoted by western agencies in developing countries. This is sometimes funded under the title of "reproductive health". Will you oppose the funding of abortion and related activities in the developing world, whatever title it is given?
- Will you support, or oppose, the protection of all human embryos, from fertilisation, from destructive experiments?
- If a motion comes before the European Parliament which promotes or defends the practice of euthanasia or assisted suicide, will you (a) support such a motion, or (b) oppose such a motion?
The voting system to be used on 10 June is the same as that used in 1999.
