Towards a true democracy

In effect, for the term of every government, the country is in what may be termed a partiocracy. And since the ultimate goal of each party is to be always in power, if all opposition is defeated and the nation becomes a one-party state, then the party has totally succeeded. This, of course, is the abhorrent antithesis of democracy.

How can we overcome the subjugation of democracy by the major political parties?

First, we could outlaw them enforcing strict party discipline by making it illegal for a party to expel or disendorse a candidate for not following the party line.

Next, Australians could abandon the major parties and start electing more minor party candidates and, especially, Independents. These independent candidates, having no other allegiance, have every reason for the interests of their constituents to be paramount.

Finally, we could reform parliamentary practice such that the Executive, or cabinet, is selected solely from among all Parliamentarians on the basis of merit, not merely from the party that holds the most seats.

Unfortunately, since the major parties hold sway in Australia, it is difficult to see them relinquishing their hold on power any time soon by implementing these steps. Nevertheless, things like the Newspoll results encourage me that maybe we are moving forward, a little. One day, we may see an age where people will not accept the current way. Then, maybe, the justice system will be fair to the weak and the powerless and not favour the strong. Then, perhaps we will not be governed by two faceless entities, fruitlessly battling each other in perpetuity, but by talented individuals working together in the spirit of peaceful co-operation and conciliation.

We are not barbarians, we can build a fairer society and a true democracy.