A new democracy

A new democracy.

The future of democratic governance A suggestion to start a debate

Whilst the basic outline, suggested here, has been drawn up in Britain, it could be transferred to any and every nation on Earth. May be change the names given to institutions such as “parliament.” but the basic concepts will still apply.

Each constituency elects an independent member for parliament. Each area uses local referendums to decide on larger but still local issues, planning new development of over 50 houses, infrastructure etc. Several constituencies may join together for this especially new infrastructure projects etc.

The elected constituency members to meet at a “Parliament” and elect the necessary ministers of state- Defence, finance, education, health,Coordination of constituencies, Foreign relationships, international trade, etc. Each elected minister will appoint their own senior staff. If they appoint a person who has not been elected to parliament then this appointment will be subject to scrutiny by parliament The permanent bureaucracy to be answerable directly to the elected minister and their appointed staff. Refusing to cooperate, attempting to undermine the position of the minister, attempting to change a democratically reached decision, or carry out ministerial orders to mean instant dismissal from the bureaucracy.

Domestic law and order issues to come under defence, All taxation ( defined as all income to the state from any and every source) to come under Finance.

Candidates seeking or being asked to seek, election as a minister of state must have some knowledge and or experience of the area they are to govern. A doctor or medically qualifies nurse would be for health not finance while an ex services person would be for defence not education.

There is no need for specific “law lords” as government ministers since each department will be responsible for the laws governing their “field” and the legal profession will have no power to alter of guide any changes or additions to these laws. The criminal law courts to also be governed by Defence, probably with an appointed person overseeing the permanent bureaucracy

While each constituency can raise its own local tax these are subject to scrutiny by the elected member to the national parliament and also by the minister for Finance, the minister for coordination of constituencies and local referendum.

By keeping a constitutional monarchy we eliminate the need for a Prime Minister. The royal family to carry on providing a hereditary King or Queen who carries out official duties but has no power over political decisions and the government. The ceremonial duties of the head of state includes any and all that were done by the Prime minister.

While each constituency may make its own local by-laws, these are subject to scrutiny and approval by the minister for coordination of constituencies.

Elections to be held every 10 years unless a state of National Emergency is declared and supported by 65% of the elected members of Parliament.

All new legislation and all major changes to existing rules and regulations shall be subject to scrutiny by a council of experience. They do not have the power to overrule a parliamentary decision but they may raise questions and refer the matter back to Parliament. This council of experience to be formed from Retired ministers, generals, chief medical officers, police chiefs, civil engineering managers etc.

Each minister of state who wishes to change or add to laws has to get 55% approval in Parliament.

They may test their proposals with a Preparation paper which is scrutinized by parliament and returned to the minister with advice before a formal law or law change is proposed to Parliament. This formal proposal needs 55% of the vote, on it, to be passed into law

Parliament my choose to form sub committees to make detail examinations of proposals or issues or aspects of governance, these committees shall not include ministers of ministerial appointees but they will have the right to question ministers and their appointees. The membership of any sub committee to be approved of by the majority of the whole parliament even a majority of 1 will suffice.

At the time of a national election there will also be local election for councils of local governance, There should be one such “council for local governance” in each constituency The structure and operation of these local governments shall be based on the main Parliament. The elected member for the state parliament will be chairperson for their local governance council.

The electorate for national and local governance to comprise of all those over the age of 25 permanently residing in the constituency.

The electorate for local referendums to be all people over the age of 16 permanently residing in the constituency

At each election or referendum every voter must show identification which includes a photograph and proof of residency in that constituency.

Local governing council may choose to issue such information in the form of Voters ID cards but this will not be mandatory. Nor will its use be mandatory

Votes themselves to be by secret ballot, in national and local elections and referendums the voter goes into a private space and presses a button on a screen to show the vote they wish to make. These automatically feed direct to a central server that is totally secure. The result will be known within minutes of the end of the election.

Votes within the national parliament and within local governance will use a similar system.

The penalties for any attempt to falsify election or referendum votes to be strong and include lengthy jail terms. Attempts to persuade voters is obviously part of the democratic system but attempts to coerce voters to a certain view are not and will be counted as being an attempt to falsify a vote.

Definition of “coerce” is – to compel or restrain by corruption, force or authority without regard to an individuals wishes or desires.