Floor Crossing Prohibition - Import from Abroad

This is interesting: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to visit Canada.

… Foreign Minister Makay [sic] in his message said Canada remains committed to strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

“India and Canada have much to offer to one another. Over the decades, we have built on our shared values of democracy, rule of law and commitment to the Commonwealth, and created a strong partnership.

“And India’s expanding role as a global player means the time is ripe for Canadian Businesses and investors, from a range of sectors, to become even more active in this immense market,” David Emerson, Canadian Trade Minister, said. (emphasis mine)

What India could offer Canada is its own floor crossing prohibition legislation. India – a democracy with a long and rich history – takes preserving its democracy very seriously indeed. Even as far back in the 1960’s Indian legislators recognized that floor crossing threatened to erode people’s faith in parliamentary institutions.

Mr Gaya Lal, was instrumental in the introduction of the coinage “Aya Ram, Gaya Ram” in the political vocabulary for describing the practice of floor-crossing by legislators. In 1967, Mr Gaya Lal, the then MLA from Hassanpur, changed his party thrice in a single day. Mr Gaya Ram’s feat was immortalised in the phrase “Aya Ram, Gaya Ram”. The Tribune >

Clearly India is way ahead of Canada on this issue, and has since passed specific legislation that requires members to resign and run in a by-election if they wish to regain their seat.

That’s all we are asking Emerson to do – the right thing, instead of continuing to treat voters with contempt. Follow India’s lead and resign now.

No doubt “Emerson”, like “Aya Ram, Gaya Ram” will become a noun of another colour in Canada over time. And to be “emersoned” is sure to turn into a catchy local alternative for being wronged.