Time for TT upgrade to direct democracy

THE EDITOR: It is the Christmas season and my favourite time – New Year’s – approaching. It’s a time for reflection and improvement. Some people improve their homes by carrying out repairs, painting and decorating. Some improve themselves by being generous and making new-year resolutions.

In this vein I suggest an improvement for the current TT political system, which is representative democracy. The next level of democracy is direct – a democracy in which all people make the decisions as a group, without intermediate representatives.

The earliest known direct democracy is said to be the Athenian democracy in the fifth century BC, although it was not an inclusive democracy as women, foreigners, and slaves were excluded from it.

It is a way to limit the influence of the rich and powerful who dominate most if not all representative democracy through campaign funding, lobbying and sometimes bribery. I suggest that all laws or constitutional changes be approved by the people by way of a referendum.

I am suggesting that after one year in office an elected representative could be recalled with a petition of 30 per cent of constituency voters. This could be a way to curb corruption with the removal of any representative found to be corrupt. It can be used to ensure the representatives do a good job.

The present system has become ineffective in improving the lives of citizens and needs an upgrade. Just look at the level of poverty and crime. People are influenced by their environment and the political system creates the social and material environment in a country.

People need to continue being engaged after elections. The present system encourages citizens to not be apart of the decisions-making process and not take ownership and responsibility for the development of the country.

This letter is an attempt to start the discussion and eventually implementation of direct democracy.

BRIAN PLUMMER via e-mail