Primaries
Sir: The primary system, advocated by Mr Keith Raffan, is a cumbersome way of effecting by two operations what the single transferable vote accomplishes in one. Under either system the mass electorate can choose between candidates of the same party. The primary, however, involves elec- tors registering as adherents of a particular party, thereby largely destroying the secrecy of the ballot and providing obvious scope for trade union or other forms of intimida- tion. And what becomes of 'that direct line of contact between an elector and his par- liamentary representative' which is said to be so valuable a feature of the single- member constituency? An overburdened MP would clearly be tempted to give priority to his known supporters, as indica- ted by the register of electors.
M. B. Daniels 134 Bradshaw Road, Bradshaw, Bolton BL2 3EN
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