Mr. Ignatieff was complaining the other day that 60% of Canadians oppose Stephen Harper. It was an interesting comment in light of our present parliamentary democracy where it only requires 40-43% of the popular vote to form a majority government which unfortunately permits a minimally limited tyranny. As well, the comment must be taken in light of the fact that a significant number of Canadians do not even vote and thus express their opinion.
Some interesting recent national majority governments and their popular votes:
Election: Party: Popular Vote:
2000 Liberal 40.8%
1997 Liberal 38.5%
1993 Liberal 41.3%
1988 Conservative 43%
1984 Conservative 50%
Vote splitting can allow majorities with lower popular votes, as Cretien proved in 1997. The Quebec vote can prevent majority governments, although this might begin to change.
There is a difference between parliamentary authority and moral authority to form a government. Although combined popular votes can reflect public will, people do not vote for governments on this basis.
From: http://www.electionalmanac.com/canada/popularvote.php
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