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Political Reform -Ballots in Parliament
Considering the reform of parliamentary government by means of ballots in parliament, there are many aspects that need to be examined for, in fact, no aspect of what we call ‘politics’ would remain the same. For example:
1. The changed status of the members of parliament
2. The new role of these (newly) independent members in appointing (and retiring) those members judged suitable for the role of Minister, as a member of the parliamentary executive.
3. The new role of ministers as responsible to parliament and in a new responsibility for their bureaucratic departments.
4. The new role of the various media.
5. The matter of secrecy.
6. The ballot and its affect on elections.
7. Ballot democracy as a moral enabler, in parliament and community.
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Relates to website: http://ballotsinparliament.org
Comment 1 21 Jan 2008, 9:45 PM
It has been said that a change in voting in parliament from open voting to an electronic ballot on all debated issue will change the face of politics as we know it. It certainly will. However such an assertion needs to be amplified by considering all the various aspects that now exist and that will change in such an event. Let’s start with:
1. The change that the ballot will make in the House.
At present party votes are counted as a block in almost all cases – unless some courageous member dares to ‘cross the floor’. With the ballot, party more…
Comment 2 22 Jan 2008, 5:41 PM
Electing the Ministers - A New Kind of Executive
We are familiar with the avoidance of accountability by ministers in party governments.
With the ballot operating in parliament, there will be a spill of the old executive, with all ministers elected individually by their colleagues and being completely non-partisan. The criterion for selection of each minister will, of course, be ‘the best for the job’, their colleagues being the best judges of that. Aspiring to office will surely disqualify.
The Prime Minister will be the most respected member of the House,
participating in debate, chairing executive meetings, facilitating ministerial coordination, being influential, more…
Comment 3 24 Jan 2008, 9:46 PM
Members and Constituents in a Working Relationship.
The ballot in parliament, with a level playing field of independent members, will ensure for each member an important leadership role in parliament. As mentioned earlier this will open the door for high calibre election candidates who, under the party system do not care to be involved.
There will be a new role for them in the electorate as well, one which will be more demanding than that required of party politicians – a statesman role indeed, as the need to plead the national interest will conflict with parochial interests from time to time.
The more…
Comment 3.1 20 Mar 2008, 2:49 PM
Political Reform - Ballots in Parliament -
The end of Secrecy
Secrecy is a feature of the party system. It is widely practised by political parties for the purposes of political self-preservation.
With the institution of secret ballots in parliament and the election of ministers by the members, there will be no chance for them to hide anything from parliament, which be able to summon any public servant to testify before the House.
In addition there will be protecting provisions for whistle-blowers to ensure that any problem of maladministration in the bureaucracy can not be covered up.
There will be more…