Lively mock election at City of Portsmouth College ends in historical first-ever tie

Clapping, booing, insightful questions, bold statements – and an historic tie – were all part of the picture at City of Portsmouth College’s annual A level Politics Mock Election at Sixth Form Campus.

In a packed studio theatre, more than 150 students across A Level Politics, History, Journalism and Classical Civilisation took part in the lively event, which was opened by Councillor Suzy Horton.

“I've seen all the manifestos, so I'm really interested to see how they're brought to life,” she said. “I've been coming here for many years, and I don't think I've ever seen so many students here. Young people get a lot of negativity in the press for not being engaged in politics; this event proves that's not true."

Run by the Year 1 politics students, who’ve only been studying the topic for 11 weeks, the event featured manifesto and policy presentations by ten fictional parties created by the students, covering all viewpoints across the spectrum. These were: Equality and Quality Party, Party of Progress, Heritage and Freedom Party, Enable Party, New Future Centre, New Wave UK, The Justice Party, The Party of Tomorrow, British Capitalist Party and Unity.

Policy topics covered included immigration, the economy, environment, education and the Royal Family – policies that got the loudest cheers included rejoining the EU, a reduction of tuition fees for people studying degrees in areas where there were staff shortages, such as nursing, and women’s health.

After a short break, the audience cast their votes in two ballots – one under the first past the post system, and the second under proportional representation. The two systems produce very different results and types of government. While proportional representation results won’t be known until the new year, the first past the post ballot was decided on the day – and for the first time in the event’s history, it was a tie.

Party of Progress and New Wave UK finished on 33 votes each, so the overall winner was decided on a coin toss, which Party of Progress won.

Steve Fitzgerald, politics lecturer at the College, organised and mediated the event. He said: “It was brilliant to see our students so enthusiastic about and engaged in politics. It is the most fascinating and dynamic subject, and they proved that with their fire and passion for politics shining through.”