Much has been said about Democracy on this site, culminating in
“I thought we did pretty good as a Democracy” just recently. So
what is Democracy? To start with, it’s the most abused word in
the English language.Then we all claim to live in one, but do we?
How do people define it?
One of the most common definitions, is as follows;”Government
of the people, by the people, for the people”. This implies the
people govern themselves! But do we? What input do most of
us have in decision making?
True Democracy can only work in small tribes/clans/groups,
logistics prevents True Democracy where there are large
numbers scattered over a large area. So here in Australia we
went for the next step down, Representative Democracy. We
broke Australia up into smaller groupings, each with an elected
representative. So far, so good. But here is where Democracy
starts to falter. Any adult who is not in jail should be able to
nominate to be our representative. After all, whether we elect
them or not is up to us. That’s Democracy. But no, political
parties have placed restrictions on who can stand. In fact they
are making it harder and harder for people to nominate. There
is also a restriction on how we vote. For many years women
couldn’t vote.
We are moving slowly but surely further and further away from
Democracy. Once elected, what control do the people have
over their representatives? What input do the people have
during a period of government? How do we stop what we know
is wrong?
John A Neve
Ps. I could take this further if readers are interested.
Democracy?
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What restrictions, other than citizenship and age, are there on nominating? I have sometimes felt it is too easy to get on the ballot; you don’t even have to live in the electorate for which you nominate.
Under what circumstances has anyone been prevented from nominating?
Nate, there are ten defined reasons explaining “Who can not be a candidate”. Two I mentioned in my previous post. However, I feel you have missed the real point, in a Democracy the people should be able to elect as their representative whoever they like.
THAT IS THE CHOICE OF THE PEOPLE.
Sure John, people should be able to elect as their representative whoever they like. Are you saying they should be able to elect someone who hasnt nominated and doesnt want to stand?
Democracy for better or worse really requires participants who are active and who want to play a role in society’s deliberations. The politicians we elect aren’t aliens - they are just like us - but they have put their names forward.
The restrictions is s64(2) of the state Parliament Act basically stop convicted criminals and bankrupts standing. Are those the restrictions placed on those who can stand you refer to?
Nate,
Why do I get the feeling you are trying to provoke me?
I said “any adult who is not in jail should be able to NOMINATE to be our representative”.
Regarding exclusions from nomination, as you have obviously read the Act, why ask me?
Sorry if you feel I am trying to provoke you, it was certainly not my intention.
You said that “…political parties have placed restrictions on who can stand” I am just interested in hearing your elaboration on that; as I dont know how you could come to that conclusion. People convicted of really serious crimes and bankrupts cant stand. I dont think that that the political parties have targeted these groups out of some power-holding conspiracy.
Nate,
It is claimed only 15% of Australians belong to a union. I would suggest less than 15% are members of a registered political party. Yet the bulk of candidates are party nominees! How many times have federal excutives over ruled local or state branches and installed out of towners instead of local candidates? On the Senate paper if you vote above the line, you are not even voting for a person, you are voting for a party.
Nate, instead of asking me questions, try addressing some of those in my first post. As I’m very interested in your answers.