Please sign this petition

[John H]

Its my understanding that our Gov system is based on the Greek system of old. Except for one vital missing element.
The Greeks had a rule that every year the ordinary people could put foward the name of any member of the Gov, who they felt were bent or useless.
If a member got more than a certain % of the public against them, then they were stripped of office, their assets and just for good measure they were kicked out of the country!!!

SOUND GOOD TO ME


Dont know if they got to take there stolen floating duck houses with them

Hate to burst another balloon but in the Greek City States, democracy wasn't all it was cracked up to be. In the most influentual State - Athens - you could only vote if you were a "citizen", which meant that voting was restricted to less than 15% of the population. Even then apathy ruled and the effective power was in the hands of around the 3% who bothered (or who were allowed) to vote. With a government elected by 35% of 65% of people over the age of 18 we have at least come a long way since then. But I still favour me as dictator!

 

[John H]

It should have read BNP, left wingers.

How much difference a comma makes

I would agree recall is flawed and I would agree there is apathy.

But I often wonder if that apathy is a result of the current system, re my donkey analogy.

My personal conclusion is that we will only have an increase in footfall at election time as and when people genuinely feel their vote counts which keeps me returning to the idea of a workable PR system.

Of course the question that raises back to extremist parties, is that they could well hold seats in parliament.

If they reflect part of the population, Does it follow that intervention is necessary, on the grounds they dont share the same beliefs?

All interesting stuff.

Channa

On a serious note, I too favour proportional representation - and if that means increased representation by extremist parties then maybe that will be the kick up the backside that most people need to come out and vote next time.

 

[Kontiki]

I would back any petition for PR, as this is the only way everybody gets represented. I would like to see some way of making people vote even if there is a space on the ballot for a vote of none of the above at least it would give some indication of peoples feelings.
The other advantage of PR is it would probably mean a coalition which would force the parties to at least have some common ground. It would stop the left right swing where we are the only losers, whatever we gain with one party we lose when the opposition gets in.

 

[David & Ann]

We could always go down the Australian route. Voting in national elections is compulsory for all people of voting age and it's a jailable offence if you don't.

Would that not be undemocratic?!!!

 

[John H]

Would that not be undemocratic?!!!

I'm generally not in favour of compulsion in voting but how can it be undemocratic to tell people it is their duty to express an opinion (which can legitimately be "stuff the lot of you")?

 

[Randonneur]

As bigirafe has said on page 2 there is an option to choose 'none of the above', which is effectively an abstention but attendance at the polling station is compulsory.

At least it makes the electorate think about what they want from the candidates who are up for election.

I would imagine they allow internet voting for those who can't get to a polling station.

 

[derekfaeberwick]

Have a look at this:

38 Degrees | Put voters in charge of MPs

I'm supporting a campaign for a new recall law to give us the power to call a fresh vote if our local MP has let us down.

So far our campaign has pushed recall right up the political agenda. Now's the time to make sure these warm words are turned into urgent action.

At the moment, no matter what MPs have done, we have to put up with them until the next general election. Can you think of another job where once you've been hired, the people who've hired you can't touch you for up to five years, no matter what you've done? A recall law would give local voters the power to call a fresh vote and sack disgraced MPs.

38 Degrees | Put voters in charge of MPs

I believe that M p's are in it for themselves, not me. and that being the case I refuse to vote for any of them in the first place, so I won't be voting for any replacement.

One set of thieves and perverts is no better than the others, oh yes they will throw you the odd crumb to keep you happy, whilst saving the best for themselves.

It does not matter who is in power, you will be no better off except by your own efforts.


regards

Bill

Quote #2 is an extremely good example of why quote#1 is unworkable.

Someone with an attitude like that can negate the view of people who have given due consideration to their choice.

Sounds wrong to me.

Regards, Derek.

 

[Channa]

Quote #2 is an extremely good example of why quote#1 is unworkable.

Someone with an attitude like that can negate the view of people who have given due consideration to their choice.

Sounds wrong to me.

Regards, Derek.

I agree quote one is unworkable, that said I take on board the OP's point once appointed MP's seem to have no accountability should they not refect the electorate that put them there. I think we are stuck on that one some may argue the answer is called a general election which is fair dos ...but 5 years is a long time suffering at the hands of incompetents and meglamaniacs.

Quote two bless him is slightly more emotive and I can again empathise that a person may feel that the alternatives to what we have have serious flaw therefore not bother.

In the case of quote two ...it is a pretty safe bet he has an alliegance to perhaps a minority party. To get him to the polling station in my mind is simple PR.

If he really has no alliegance and we go apparantly down the road of our Antipodean cousins, A spoilt paper could be perhaps factored somewhere into the equation.

Channa

 

[s1n86d]

I agree quote one is unworkable, that said I take on board the OP's point once appointed MP's seem to have no accountability should they not refect the electorate that put them there. I think we are stuck on that one some may argue the answer is called a general election which is fair dos ...but 5 years is a long time suffering at the hands of incompetents and meglamaniacs.

Quote two bless him is slightly more emotive and I can again empathise that a person may feel that the alternatives to what we have have serious flaw therefore not bother.

In the case of quote two ...it is a pretty safe bet he has an alliegance to perhaps a minority party. To get him to the polling station in my mind is simple PR.

If he really has no alliegance and we go apparantly down the road of our Antipodean cousins, A spoilt paper could be perhaps factored somewhere into the equation.

Channa

I have no allgiance to any party, a spoilt paper would be the choice if all else fails.



Regards


Bill