Voting in the Liberal leadership race

I do not bleed Liberal red, am not a true-blue Conservative, I cannot be painted in those shades, or any of the myriad of secondary colors that make up our political palette. Does that render my opinion, on who I believe should be the leader of this province null and void? Should I have to make a pledge of fidelity to a party, just to participate, in what could be viewed as a subversion to the democratic process? Let us put aside the legislation for a moment shall we, nobody is arguing its existence. Is it right for a party to be able to assign a new Premier without holding an election? Its debatable, but I do not believe so. What I do believe is that during Provincial election, a large part of why we vote for one party over another, is largely based on its leadership. Those elections, whether some individuals agree or disagree with the outcomes, is the voice of the majority or at least the plurality of the people. With that in mind, I believe a change in party leadership, when it effects a position as important as Premier of the Province should be accompanied by a provincial election not a party specific vote. While that might be fantasy. I am concerned about the Liberal support pledge and its robocall affirmation. These steps not only deter potential voters, many of whom are truly concerned about the future of this province. They also assume a prevalence of people acting in bad faith, will one be disqualified if they do not press 1 to say yes, I support the party? Are there really that many in NL looking to spoil the Liberal leadership race, is this a true concern? It seems to me, if a person has taken the time to be involved in the leadership race for the province, that should be welcomed. Any potential leader worth their salt, should encourage more voters. It will not only give them a better understanding of how much ground level support they have, for themselves and their proposed ideas. It will also present them with some validity, being welcoming to hear all voices who wanted to take part, rather than a closed off faction of the public. So, Mr. Abbot, Mr. Furey and the Liberal Party of NL, you have a choice here. You can be accepting of the people who want to be involved, potentially expand your base and let the chips fall where they may. Or you can close off and withdraw into your safe space, within the party walls, and not try and reach out to the people which you will lead. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Remember Liberal comes from the Latin word “Liber” which is the state of being free. Does excluding people from the opportunity to vote for who will lead the province truly seem free?