How to save democracy from itself?
Democracy is a beautiful concept in dire need of an upgrade. Here is one idea that could strengthen it.
This idea is growing here in Belgium (see the proposal of the Blanco party). I’m all in favor of it. Here is how I would sum it up:
Elections should be mandatory for all citizen of legal age, and offer a "sanction" vote option, instead of letting the extremes get it.
As a voter, you would have these choices:
vote for a party that fits your values/ideas
"white" vote / abstention- you trust the majority of voters
"sanction" vote - you disagree with the state of politics and want a change.
After the elections are over, the elected folks would therefore have a clear indicator of discontent and could propose systemic reforms using direct referendum (like Switzerland). Whether they do or do not is their ultimate responsibility. But not acting on it will mean tougher elections ahead for them and they couldn’t pretend they didn’t know.
For citizens, this also gives transparency, and doesn't mean having to vote for a party that doesn't suit us on the pretext of "saving" democracy (as happens in the second round of EVERY French presidential election).
I think this could work for any election, local or national - the important thing being to be able to demand systemic change within the system, rather than having to vote for parties of wolves in sheep's clothing, who capture citizen anger to ultimately feed an agenda that aims to diminish, if not end, the democratic process.
What do you think?
