Revitalising Democracy
Social Issues
Our democratic systems of governance are facing a growing crisis of confidence. Fewer people vote and a smaller part of each voter votes: we are addressed only as consumers and thus vote only our consumer preferences. Our deeper citizen priorities and values are ignored in sound-bite election campaigns that offer few alternatives. As a result governments and political parties are trusted less and less and voters are becoming disillusioned. This development holds the risk that in a crisis situation, 'strong men' offering scapegoats could have mass appeal.
How can we rehabilitate democracy - from the local to the global level? Should local direct democracy be reintroduced, with the right to vote directly, e.g. on spending priorities, as the PT has done in Brazil? How can we democratise global decision-making? Would an electronic Earth Parliament ("E-Parliament"), where all democratically elected MPs have the right to introduce and vote for model legislation, be workable and effective?
