No — that choice would break basic algebra.
The rule is not a vote; it is forced. Watch: (−1) × 0 = 0, and 0 = 1 + (−1), so (−1) × (1 + (−1)) must also equal 0. That expands to (−1) + (−1)(−1) = 0, which means (−1)(−1) = 1. If anyone insisted that (−1)(−1) = −1, the ordinary rules of arithmetic would contradict themselves.
