With the start of a new year, 2012 is already shaping up to be an interesting one particularly in politics locally.
Whether you follow the political scene or not, a person can’t help but wonder just what will happen in Alberta when the next provincial election is called. With a new premier at the helm, via a leadership change that took place in the Progressive Conservative party in the fall, it will be interesting to see just how the numbers shake out when voters take to the polling stations.
When Alison Redford replaced Ed Stelmach in October, it brought about an unexpected change for a number of party supporters who were not in her camp. It also heralded in a new era for the party and the province with the change in leadership automatically resulted in a change in the premier’s office.
Redford has a few months under her belt now and is looking ahead to a potential spring election and fixed election dates in the future. The election will be an interesting process to watch, even for those who don’t even pretend to foster an interest in politics.
Fixed election dates are sure to be one of the issues talked about on the election trail. Redford, in her leadership campaign, promised fixed election dates. Municipal elections already take placed on a fixed date every three years and there seems to be growing support for fixed election dates at both the provincial and federal level.
It is an issue that has been debated at every level of government in the province and will mean changes to the way Albertans approach the voting process.
The spring election will mean a change for the local electorate, as current Little Bow MLA Barry McFarland has indicated he will not be seeking another term in the Legislature.
This should make for an interesting election starting at the party level and working its way up to the actual provincial vote.
At the federal level this past year, it was certainly one for the history books as the Conservatives finally nailed down a majority government and others parties took it on the chin in some respects. Canadians may have just shown their lack of enthusiasm for the election process and their support for fixed election dates by overwhelmingly supporting the Conservatives. It will be interesting to see how 2012 shakes out in Ottawa.
At home the political picture may be shifting but there is certainly not a lack of interesting stories to follow on the world political scene including new leadership in North Korea and continued unrest and embattled leaders in several nations around the globe.
Yes, 2012 should be an interesting year.