The connection between democracy and elections is supposed to be obvious, but the actual experience of elections suggests there is a disconnect between the two. The recent provincial election was no exception. Residents are expected to gain enough knowledge, bit by bit over four weeks, to make a thoughtful, intelligent decision in marking their ballot with consequences that will last for four years. Political parties are tasked with convincing people in that same period that they have the best interests of the people at heart. It’s a recipe for frustration and manipulation.
What was encouraging about this election was the majority of people were not fooled by the outrageous amount of money spent by BC Liberals. What was maddening is that despite 60 per cent of people wanting real change, no one has a clear mandate to provide it, thanks again to the first-past-the-post voting system.
Thankfully, two parties are committed to proportional representation, but it is worth exploring beyond that electoral reform. Our current system is so blatantly undemocratic that many see proportional representation as a panacea for all that ails us. In fact, while proportional representation does put an end to one party dictatorships, it does not automatically provide better government.
Which begs the question: what would actually change our democracy in a fundamental way? The answer is political literacy. Party politics has now become so professionalized that the only role for most members is to give money and volunteer at election time. Public engagement suffers as a result.
It doesn’t have to be this way. It would be interesting if at least one of the parties actually had a permanent presence in Powell River over the next four years; holding discussions, sponsoring inspiring speakers, organizing study circles on issues chosen by residents and debating policies before elections.
The only such event that I can recall in recent years was a forum on housing that was sponsored by MLA Nicholas Simons. Some 200 people showed up; it was a great event, non-partisan and an exercise in community consensus building.
Sweden has intimate experience with participatory democracy. For several decades, Swedish politics featured participatory budgeting, citizen participation in the design and delivery of social programs and even government subsidies for citizen study circles. Some 300,000 such circles were reported each year, promoting education and political and economic literacy. The result? Over 80 per cent of people expressed trust in their governments, which in turn had to treat them like adults at election time.
For politicians wishing to experiment in participatory democracy, there is no better place than Powell River, which already has a strong sense of community. Any takers?
Murray Dobbin is a Powell River freelance writer and social commentator.
