August, 2010

The process of deep analysis has started. Below is an illustration of part of one dataset that has been created from the information extracted from the preferendum. This shows the random order downwards in which the returns were entered. Even though the returns varied widely between hard-line political extremes, which have been colour-coded for each party, most respondents (about 200 in this illustration) selected policy propositions ‘across the board’.

Each dot or space left to right in the ‘photogram’ represents a considered opinion or disregard of each of around 100 of the 434 propositions included in the preferendum. The vertical streaks of both commission and omission are  

clearly apparent in this ‘unsorted’ dataset and point to the political pressure points in society and the fault lines between the parties and their manifestos. These results are being analysed in 25 policy groups such as defence, immigration and health and also picking out the support and lack of support from the parties’ own adherents. The returns on some issues, about 63 sets, have revealed areas of difference from contrasting viewpoints.

The photogram illustrates the remarkable consistency of results even though the individual returns vary widely. From this data will be obtained a detailed and intimate portrait of an entire electorate. Even at this early stage it is beyond doubt that people are not, and perhaps cannot, be represented by the plethora of propositions made by any political party.

The full results will be published in the next few months.

Farel Bradbury

Hydatum the publishers