ALERT: DIRECT DEMOCRACY CALL AT POWER 2010
I&R ~ GB
http://www.power2010.org.uk/blog/entry/idea-of-the-day-one-million-voters-can-call-a-referendum/
Ken submitted the following "big idea": Idea of the day: One million
voters can call a referendum
17.11.2009 // by Guest
This idea comes from Ken in Dorset:
What's the big idea?:
*Governments must establish a referendum whenever requested by a million
voters and governments must abide by the results of such a referendum.
*
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PLEASE VISIT THE POWER 2010 CAMPAIGN AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THIS
PROPOSAL!
<http://www.power2010.org.uk/blog/entry/idea-of-the-day-one-million-voters-can-call-a-referendum/>
THE "TOP FIVE" IDEAS WILL RECEIVE SPECIAL TREATMENT BY THE POWER CAMPAIGNERS
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I&R ~ GB replied as follows:
Ken in Dorset wrote: "What's the big idea?:
Governments must establish a referendum whenever requested by a million
voters and governments must abide by the results of such a referendum."
Among an impressive collection of recommendations for reform of our
democracy and governance, the Power Inquiry put forward a proposal for
partial direct democracy (Report 2006, Recommendation 24). The proposal
had two stages, a citizens' initiative which if successful must be
debated in Parliament. To reach this stage it was suggested that 400,000
voter-endorsements (signatures) would be required. If Parliament rejects
the proposal, then the proposing group (plus others of like mind) could
push through a demand for plebiscite by collecting a further 400,000
endorsements. Additionally, as in other countries, Parliament would be
able to put forward an alternative proposal and both must be put to the
electorate for decision.
Of course the exact numbers and procedures need to be debated publicly.
This sort of democracy, citizen-led, is unpopular with politicians. In
oder to get elements of direct democracy introduced we need a focussed
campaign. Some campaign tactics for the coming election may be found
here http://www.iniref.org/carta.htm
and more information about direct democracy, initiative, referendum and
recall here http://www.iniref.org/
I&R ~ GB Citizens' Initiative and Referendum
Campaign for direct democracy in Britain