FOCUS ON LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Democracy and political reform

Democracy is not a spectator sport; it depends upon people taking part. When citizens feel unable to influence decisions, democracy becomes weaker and less representative.

Our democracy is in poor health. The country is deeply divided, while many people feel ignored, unrepresented and disconnected from those who govern them. That loss of confidence creates a political vacuum that can too easily be filled by divisive, right-wing populism.

First past the post reinforces that problem. It suppresses new voices, wastes millions of votes and often produces councils and governments that do not fairly reflect how people voted.

The contrast was demonstrated by the 2019 European Parliament elections, which were conducted using proportional representation. Across West Oxfordshire and Cherwell, thousands of people voted Green—placing the Green Party ahead of both the Conservatives and Labour.

Those results showed that, when people know their vote will count, substantial numbers across both West Oxfordshire and Cherwell are prepared to support Green policies and Green representation. Yet under first past the post, many of those same voters may receive little or no representation on their local councils.

The Green Party has consistently opposed restrictions on democratic participation and civil liberties. We will defend the right to peaceful protest, repeal unjustified anti-trade-union legislation and work to place power closer to the communities affected by political decisions.

Democratic renewal must begin locally. We will continue to press for:

  • More meaningful opportunities for residents to influence local decisions, including citizens’ assemblies, stronger public speaking rights at council meetings and participatory budgeting.
  • The replacement of first past the post with a fair and proportional voting system in which every vote counts.
  • Votes at 16, giving 16- and 17-year-olds a proper voice in decisions affecting their futures.
  • The repeal of unnecessary and unfair voter-identification requirements that risk discouraging legitimate voters from participating.
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