The recent UK plebiscite on electoral reform, which sought to replace the current first past the post system with a variation on proportional representation was defeated. The status quo remains.
This defeat joins others in recent years, particularly in Canada. The province of Ontario rejected proportional representation in 2007, British Columbia twice in 2005 and 2009, and Prince Edward Island in 2005.
While one can argue that political manipulation by entrenched interests prevented the success of these referenda, it seems clear that there is not a huge desire on the part of Canadians for PR. Despite all the shortcomings of our first past the post electoral system, the stability that majority governments provide has put us in good stead. Compared to most other nations of the world, we are a strong and healthy country.
Some good websites that discuss the issue:
http://www.proportional-representation.org/
http://economics.about.com/cs/issues/a/proportionalrep.htm
http://www.economist.com/debate/days/view/689
This does not bode well for underrepresented parties in federal and provincial parliaments in Canada. The Greens are unlikely to see a national plebiscite on this. However, the need for electoral reform remains if we are to realize the full potential of democracy and satisfy the needs of people. The voting turn-out in Canada is abysmal. It is dangerous to leave democracy to the elites. If not PR, then what other routes can we pursue to a fairer political system?
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