In the light of the recent electoral success of the fascist Le Pen in France it is important for all left libertarians to consider the role of voting in opposing the BNP. Personally i did not vote in the last general election as where i live the only choice was between the three main parties-the difference between them being negligible- thus i reasoned that by not voting i was not only registering a protest at the current false choice of representatives, but also at the present system of representative democracy itself.
As an anarchist my ultimate aim is to take part in a DIRECT democracy with people taking decisions affecting their lives for themselves.
That said,when dealing with fascists attempting to gain positions of authority within the current system it is NOT acceptable to reject voting. Thus although i would argue that people should not vote where you only have the non choice of the three main parties-as a vote for any of them will not currently make any real difference to peoples lives, if there is a fascist candidate standing,such as the BNP, then not only should we be voting ,but we MUST vote for the mainstream party most likely to defeat the fascist.Yes this could even mean a Tory! Why? Because letting fascists get their hands on positions of authority -even minor positions-WILL have an adverse effect on peoples lives and, as has been seen historically, is disasterous for the left.
So although voting does not change the system-which should be our ULTIMATE aim- it is important in PRACTICALLY stopping the far right from gaining power and influence within the current system.It is in all our interests not to let what has happened in France this week happen in the UK.