In a
previous blog on ‘Why democracy is not the best form of government’ (the link
is http://karmasutratkos.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/why-democracy-is-not-best-form-of.html),
I had suggested why democracy in the present form, at least as practised in the
West, is becoming increasingly flawed. As promised, I am back with my tentative
list of solutions. Here, I will try to
explore some of the continuous improvement solutions – focused mainly on the
elections process, which do not completely do away with the democratic system,
but strengthen the system further. I
will also propose a detailed paradigm-busting model of governance,
substantially different from democracy - as practised today, in my next post.
For
this post, the continuous improvement solutions are as follows:
1. Curtailing
the power of rumour mongers and character assassins - As highlighted in my
earlier post on the problems of democracy created by IOP (Information overload
paradox), in the present day and age, rumour mongers and character assassins
have got a power of their own. Sitting behind an anonymous twitter handle or a
fake Facebook account it is possible for people to accuse public leaders of
murder, corruption, fraud or any other wrong-doing, without facing little, if
any scrutiny, penalties or payback for this character assassination. In this
scenario, whichever leader has a bigger army of motivated social media followers
willing to attack his political opponent, tends to gain greater visibility.
Like the Goebbellian quote says ‘a lie repeated often enough becomes the
truth’, a false message propagating on social media and repeated often by
others tends to be believed, at least partially. For example, I have seen social
media messages or forwards, most of them spewed by anonymous users which make
allegations that Obama is a secret Muslim or that Michelle is a transgender or
that Hillary has paid money to all the moderators in debates etc. Not one of them offer any credible evidence.
Hence, it is essential to have a mechanism to
identify and hold those who start rumours to face a system where they must
share their reasonable supporting evidence or face stringent punishment
including huge fines or imprisonment. It is time for the internet to come
together and finally come down universally on this scourge of abuse using
anonymous identities. Actual print newspapers have made it compulsory for contributors
– even those who write letters to editors, to provide real addresses and
telephone numbers. In the online world, to some extent, the requirement for
registration has curbed those who just shoot and scoot. But there is still a
long way to go. It must be made possible to identify and hold those who
assassinate characters on Twitter, Whatsapp or Facebook to account.
Needless
to say, mainstream media also plays an important role in improving the quality
of debate and discussions. A format for a more ethical and respectful debate has
already been proposed here (the link is http://karmasutratkos.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/televised-political-debates-my.html).
2.Vetting
process of candidates in political parties
– In most democracies, even main political parties look at the prospect of ‘winnability’
and ‘potential for funds generation’ as the two important criteria for choosing
their candidates. If we look closely we
will find that these two variables are themselves interlinked. Assuming other
factors are the same, potential for huge funds (either personal money or capacity
to raise money) itself makes a candidate ‘winnable’ because more money automatically
means more advertising capacity, more PR, more big media presence etc. In fact,
with more money, it is also becoming increasingly possible to manipulate social
media with increased followers, Facebook page and other paid viral sensations. In simple words, very rich people with an
itch for power and status are almost able to buy their
candidature from political parties. It is little surprise therefore that a
person like Donald Trump faced little difficulty in reaching the top of
Republican party presidential race.
A
possible solution to this is a clear vetting process. Within mainstream
political parties a committee of people with impeccable honesty and integrity
must look at each candidate application carefully without being influenced by
their money power. Toxic candidates must be weeded out at the initial stage
itself.
3. State
support for Independent thinkers/professionals – In the present democratic system there is little scope for honest technocrats and thinkers to be in leadership positions. For example, an exemplary scientist who understands nuclear technology has little chance of being a minister for nuclear energy, unless he is connected to or ingratiates himself with some big political party. Similarly a great scholar and thinker in agriculture has little chance of being able to shape the agricultural policy of the country unless he/she is politically connected. This must change. In order to make it possible for honest thinkers, scientists, academics to contest elections and influence policies of countries, democracies must have a public funding system so that these thinkers and specialists have the access to minimum funds, required to credibly compete independently, against other candidates put up by parties, in elections . Just like most democratic countries provide a state lawyer to an accused if unable to afford a lawyer of their own, the democratic countries must find a way to fund elections of deserving candidates without political clout or organisation. This list of exemplary candidates for which sizeable funding must be provided must be decided again by a committee and independent election commission. These scientists or experts must also be given access to a consultancy which provides services of marketing and other measures to improve their visibility.
4. Further
transparency in election expenditures and methods of election propaganda – there must be further transparency in election expenditures,
cap on election expenditures and a close audit of methods of election
propaganda, so that even scientists or experts (the category listed above) are
able to compete. Once the loose ends of the social media are tied up and it is
possible to hold accountable those who assassinate characters without any
evidence, both the methods of campaigning, funds spent on media, funds gathered
should be further transparent. The whole funds- generation process, expenditure
and utilisation of election campaign funds of all political parties should be carefully audited by a big forensic
accounting specialist organisation working for an independent election
commission. Those found guilty of large violations should be removed from elected posts
This
list of the above measures need not be the comprehensive or the proverbial
final word. Criticisms and additions are most welcome.
©Staju Jacob, 2017.
Staju Jacob is the author of the path-breaking book Karmasutra The Karma of Sex, which deals with the karmic spirituality of consensual sexual actions. This book is available globally on various Amazon sites in Paperback and Kindle, Sony Kobo, Google books, Iphone Ibook etc. He may be contacted on Twitter @KaRmasutraTKOS
