Very interesting times as we watch the UK political situation unfold.
The result of the election throws up many thoughts:
- The inability of the Conservative Party to grab the opportunity to win in the face of a deep recession brought about in large part by the incompetence of the government policy.
- The failings of the electoral processes. Queues of voters who were denied their right to vote by lack of appropriate facilities. I thought that was just a facet of incompetent US states or African nations. Never did I think I would see it in the UK
- The failings of the electoral system. I have been a supporter of proportional representation, and the lack of empowerment to the third party in hard to believe. Close in votes to the others, and with popular support through a willingness to more critically consider the problems facing the country, the system does not recognise their standing.
- It is tense stuff, all so more interesting for the lack of clear constitutional rules regarding the next steps.
A final note. Jacqui Smith is no loss, and it is good that someone who has bent the system so much, can face her accusers.
I am looking forward to more coverage. At times like this, it is thankful the BBC reaches the other side of the globe.