Strategies to improve Political Representation in a Democracy
~A research project by Governance Innovation Labs
In our rapidly changing world, it is essential that our democratic systems evolve to better represent the diversity of the people. This brochure explores four key recommendations to enhance political representation: Choose, Know, Be, and Match the Candidate. By implementing these strategies, we can build a more inclusive and participatory democracy.
A. Choose the Candidate
Focus:
Democratizing of Candidate Selection Process
Recommendation:
A.1. Internal Party Selection and Public Involvement
- A.1.1. Engage party members at all levels, particularly the grassroots, in voting or
providing input for shortlisted candidates. - A.1.2. Implement public polling to choose candidates for parties, encouraging broader public engagement.
A.2. Media-Facilitated Selection
- A.2.1: Public voting via media platforms to conduct public voting for party candidates
- A.2.2: Non-Party specific public voting for candidates irrespective of party affiliation
A.3. NGO-Facilitated Selection
- A.3.1: NGOs to facilitate public voting for selecting candidates, within the party
- A.3.2: Voting conducted by NGOs for representatives irrespective of party affiliation
Rationale:
Broader participation ensures that candidate selection is not limited to a few elite politicians and encourages diverse and representative candidates. With public support these processes will enable deserving candidates to be on the ballot to represent the political party. This approach democratizes the candidate selection process and empowers individuals at the grassroots level, making politics more accessible and reflective of the community’s diversity.
Application:
- The UK Labour Party allows local members to vote on parliamentary candidates.
- The Indian National Congress has involved grassroots members in the selection process, which allowed local party members to have a say in nominating candidates for elections.
- The Aam Aadmi Party in India has experimented with public nomination forms where the public could suggest potential candidates.
- In Brazil, the NGO Movimento Voto Consciente (Conscious Vote Movement) promotes political education and engages the public in voting for candidates who align with their values.
- In South Korea, and USA, debates on television and media coverage play a significant role in the presidential primaries, where public opinion heavily influences candidate selection.
B. Know the Candidate
Focus:
Complete transparency about background information of candidates
Recommendation:
B.1 The Election Commission should release unbiased, comprehensive introduction videos for candidates, covering their personal, academic, professional and political backgrounds.
B2. Ensure candidates, and parties make their ideologies, and prioritized issues, public to help voters make informed decisions.
Rationale:
Transparency helps voters make informed decisions. It builds trust and credibility in the democratic process. When voters have access to comprehensive and unbiased information about candidates, they can make choices that better align with their values and ideologies. This transparency also holds candidates accountable, as they must publicly stand by their platforms and past actions, thus reducing the likelihood of misinformation and enhancing the overall integrity of the electoral process.
Application:
- In Taiwan, the Central Election Commission publishes detailed information about each candidate.
- Political parties in Germany publish manifestos outlining their ideologies and policies.
- A new app, called Voter, promises to bring clarity to the task of choosing the best political candidate for you, based on the issues and your own beliefs.
- EU&I2024 is a voter advice application, which poses questions to users about their political views and the app registers answers and informs users of which party or candidate in their country would best represent their political views in the European Parliament.
C. Be the Candidate
Issue:
Encouraging New and Diverse Candidates
Recommendation:
C.1: Simplify the process for new candidates from diverse backgrounds to enter politics.
C.2: Use online platforms for candidate registration, fundraising, and voter communication.
C.3: Create opportunities for candidates to directly pitch themselves to voters, ensuring authenticity and personal engagement.
Rationale:
Making the entry process more accessible fosters youth participation and diverse representation in politics. Simplifying the process thus reduces barriers to entry, encouraging more individuals, especially those from underrepresented groups, to consider running for elections. This diversification is crucial for a healthy democracy, as it ensures that a variety of perspectives are included in decision-making processes, leading to more comprehensive and representative policies.
Application:
- Canada’s Liberal Party’s “Open Nominations” initiative attracts candidates from diverse backgrounds.
- Estonia’s i-Voting system streamlines candidate registration and campaign activities.
D. Match the Candidate
Focus:
Ideological Transparency and Voter Engagement
Recommendation:
D.1:Ensure candidates publicly state their ideologies and prioritized issues.
D.2: Develop digital platforms and apps that enable voters to relate to candidates, participate in live-streamed debates, and match ideologies.
Rationale:
Clear communication of ideologies helps voters align with candidates who represent their values and enhances political engagement. By understanding where candidates stand on key issues, voters can make more informed choices that reflect their own beliefs and priorities. Digital platforms and live debates further enhance engagement by providing interactive and accessible means for voters to connect with candidates, fostering a more dynamic and participatory electoral process.
Examples:
- In the US, political candidates often publish detailed policy plans and ideological statements on their official websites.
- New Zealand’s “On the Fence” app helps voters compare their views with party policies.
