The Welsh Assembly, that is. I have just been watching BBC Parliament (okay, hit me, I understand completely), and the bit of the debate that I saw was interesting.
I dont know the full details (will have to read the bill at some point soon, can anyone provide a handy link?), but one thing that struck was the Conservative and LIbDem opposition to the change in the electoral system.
Under the current system, AMs are elected via two methods - one is constituency based (Alternative Vote, I think), while the other is a proportional system (Single Transferable Vote). That isn't the problem though, it comes more from the fact that candidates can run in both types of election, so if they don't get a constituency seat (much preferred) they may win one on the list system. This means 'losing' candidates winning seats. It is wholly wrong, opportunistic and just plain stupid. Whoever proposed it ought to be shot (or severely reprimanded in a non-violent way). On that, I agree with the Conservatives and LibDems (Gasps of shock).
But, for some reason, both parties failed to really consider this point on its own terms. Instead, they spent the debate arguing that since it was a Labour government which introduced this electoral system, the Labour government is only changing it now because it isn't working in their favour (Labour has no AMs elected through proportional representation at the moment).
Even if it is true that Labour is only concerned because it negatively affects them (which in itself is debatable), surely the whole point of parliament especially when it comes to constitutional issues to argue in favour of what is best for the country instead of apparently opposing something purely on the basis that a rival party will benefit? The present Welsh electoral system needs to be altered, yet none of the Cons/LibDem MPs speaking today seemed capable of recognising this blatantly obvious fact. Perhaps they were temporarily blinded by partisan motives. But still, it is hardly an inspiring political process in which this occurs.
The last few days....