Democracy is more than a vote!

We call for a different way of thinking about both democracy and society. Healthy democracies are able to promote responsiveness and accountability between institutions, experts and citizens; whilst those that fail to do lack precisely those qualities. We need to look beyond the ballot box - understanding elections and electoral democracy one part of a wider, more complex system of democracy.
Find out more: bit.ly/2jSzaNJ
Voice: Cerrie Burnell
Animation and Sound Design: Kate Jessop
Producer: Reema Patel

[@SpaceCommand]

Democracy is a beautiful thing. IF YOU CAN KEEP IT ALIVE. As the 1st little known country in the world to give women the right to vote, we here in New Zealand understand the importance of keeping it. You appreciate it more and accept it better if your party loses and you still get behind the winner and give them your full support. We have our Central Governments Election coming up this year in 2023 & I'm excited to see the outcome, but also humbled in the fact that regardless of our views and whoever may win, we must get behind the winner, whoever it may be and support them. Not so long ago, our Parliament and Democracy was attacked by a small bunch of Domestic Terrorists who's ideas and visions were grossly misguided. They assaulted Police, burnt fires on parliament grounds, and destroyed government property that belonged to our people. It broke my heart seeing something that I'm willing to protect to the bitter end being destroyed by a small few. I'll fight to protect and keep our protect democracy. But we must be civilized as a people if who we want doesn't win. America, you can learn a lot from the way our little country operates and incorporate it into your fragile democracy. I do hold out hope that someday that every country on earth knows peace, stability, and democracy for all. 👍🇳🇿🇳🇿

[@netwolff]

I like that - I see a big difference from ancient Greece to today, though: measured and thoughtful discussion. I do not see that anymore. Certainly not in the media, not in the social media, hardly among friends, colleagues, family. I recall learning different forms of debates in school, having to represent political parties that I am not fond of, understanding and countering reasons from "the other side". It is hard to still find partners for that, it's a whole discussion culture that would need to change again.

[@trorisk]

It has been known since antiquity that election is not democracy (the government of the people). It's at best the election of an aristocracy (the government of the best). You have to read the thinkers of political philosophy, Aristotle, Plato, Rousseau, Montesquieu an so on. What you've call "representative democracy" by construction (the election) is not a democracy.

[@stephenkamugasa8779]

This is a great initiative by the RSA, and it is timely. In a world that is increasingly becoming very polarized by the day, whether in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, there is a genuine need for all of us to be reminded what democracy really is. Else, we risk making the same mistakes that have brought us into the sorry-mess we are in today.

[@kangmingzhao7660]

voting cant represent democracy

[@alexb.8769]

There is no democratic country. We have lobbies and corruption. What about a board of directors that works out different proposed solutions and votes on them. Only relevant or trend-setting topics similar to the previous election programs of the parties come to the vote. The people can of course also propose solutions. The board of directors decides independently on day-to-day business. These decisions can be revised by referendum.

[@ComradeConfucius]

"Never mind what the people think. We decide what is best for you." Lee Kwan Yew

[@tombouet4092]

what's the link?

[@ComradeConfucius]

@@tombouet4092 Lee Kwan Yew thought democracy was a ridiculous idea.

[@ajitkumarajit6896]

A claim that is reasonably accepted by society and sanctioned by the low is called right

[@vincentgoodstadt7173]

I welcome this initiative by the RSA. The need to rethink the established paradigms about democracy is an issue being taken up across Europe. The recent Charter on Participatory democracy drawn up by the ECTP-CEU is a contribution to moving our thinking forward into action by policy makers. This Charter is now be endorsed by mayors of major cities . (here is link www.ectp-ceu.eu/images/stories/PDF-docs/European%20Charter%20on%20Participatory%20Democracy%20English-final.pdf)

[@llywelynapgruffyddapllywel3571]

🤣🤣