Ideas for electability: Power to the People

By Jeevun Sandher

Apathy and distrust seems to characterise the modern voter. From low voter turnout, to the mass exodus from political parties, to the constant jibes that politicians are “dishonest”, “self-serving” and “corrupt” – the signs are everywhere. But this should be seen as an opportunity. The party that can re-engage voters and present a program that restores trust in the political system could not only win the next election but also be lauded as the government that finally fixed “Broken Britain.”

That’s the easy part though – to recognise the problem and subsequent opportunity. The hard part is how to solve the problem and grasp this opportunity. Indeed, there has been a lot of talk about “restoring trust” and “fixing the system,” especially since the expenses scandal, but very little in the way of sufficiently tangible and convincing solutions. The old ways – of empty phrases, slight tweaks to the system and hoping that people magically become enthused by politics again – simply will not do. Bold and radical solutions are needed.

In this article I propose one idea which Labour could utilise to show itself to be the party that understands the modern world and how to govern in the 21st century. The idea is a form of online referendums with a slight twist.

It would work a little something like this. Firstly, polling cards would be sent to all registered voters with a login, password and a link to a website (before the issue of voter fraud is floated, it should be noted that if someone had your polling card in a general election, they could commit voter fraud). Then, when one comes to vote on the issue they would have to view two pages first. One page would be put forth by the party or group in favour of the motion with their arguments and evidence for the motion and one page by the group who are against it. There could be links on these pages to more detailed arguments, articles and reports for those who wish to view them. After viewing these pages, the voter would decide on the issue and vote online.

The advantages to this idea are manifold. Firstly, it enables the electorate to express their views on issues much more regularly than is currently the case. Secondly, it helps governments and parties communicate much more directly with the electorate and not merely through the medium of the evening news or a Daily Mail editorial. Thridly, it enables informed democratic debate and decision making and not just the ten second sound-bite that is so prevalent in politics today. It helps to debunk facile and superficially attractive arguments. And finally, it is cheap and relatively easy to do.

There is no doubt that this is a bold and radical idea. There will be risks and downsides but we cannot continue treating the electorate like children to be ruled over. That is a well-travelled road which has no place in today’s world and will only result in the further disconnect between Westminster and the country. Instead, we must aim to involve the public in political discourse and decision-making. The party that does this may just find that fortune does indeed favour the bold.