Political Parties - Why?
The many weird things happening to "democratic"
governments today really call for a complete assessment of the need
for Political Parties. These are the "factions" feared by the first
believers in democracy and by others throughout history including
the those involved in the creation of the United States of
America.
Even within political parties the breakdown of the party system
is apparent. The signs are there - new parties are formed, policies
shift between right and left, free votes are demanded, party
infighting and members find new homes (allegiances). Non-elected
advisors and caucus members are worried about the negative impact
on their personal ambitions as political pandemonium rages on.
Today, an informed general public can judge the performance of
politicians and they see glaring examples of the waste of time,
money and human resources. The great rise in public protest and
outright disrespect of political office comes from people who know
their individual representation has been lost in a melange of party
politics. Voters are fed up with party campaign promises - they
need assurance the system of government, at each level, will serve
the best interests of citizens through the election of independent
representatives.
Canada has a good models of public government - without
political parties. The people of North West Territories and of the
newest northern territory of Nunavut have established
Public Government. Independent representatives are elected from
those vast regions. The Speaker of the
House, Premier and a number of Ministers (Cabinet) are
elected by the group of independent representatives through secret
ballot. The rest of the elected representatives act as a
counterbalance and government comes by consensus.
Imagine a Canada where the most important work of government is
the pursuit of what is best for the country instead of the election
of a political ideology. Surely, in this day and age, the problems
and priorities of a country are well known and solutions are
available from qualified sources without the political
interference.
Citizen’s Assemblies are looking for ways to improve
electoral proceedings - this should include a study of the
relevance of political parties in any part of good and equal
government for all.
It is time to think about life in Canada - without Political
Parties.
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