text: I answered the substance of this in response to another post above, so I'll keep this short. If this is the case, then there is no need for political parties, and they should be banned. I know, above, you stated that you think banning them would be more extreme than necessary, but if things actually work the way you think they do, there is no need for them. They muddy the waters, and confuse issues where confusion is not necessary. They should not be permitted.
  
  My personal view is that the actual operation of politics in this country, the way in which our politicians behave within their parties, is far more nuanced than this, and that our system should more accurately reflect the way people intend their vote to be counted. However, if we're not prepared to do this then the Elections Act should state that people running for office must have no party affiliation.