Proposals for the introduction of Elements of Direct Democracy in Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Proposals quoted from Our-Say, Unlock Democracy, Power Inquiry, I&Rgb

The “four sets of proposals” may be found in www at 

Comments by

Tim Weber e-mail tim.weber @ mehr-demokratie.de

Political scientist. Mehr Demokratie Bremen, Germany

I can offer the following recommendations

-- A "Three Step" procedure (Initiative, Referendum-Demand, Referendum) is preferable to a "Two Step" procedure (omitting Referendum-Demand) although the latter may be considered.

-- Referendum-Demand. I regard 2.5 percent as appropriate. This hurdle should be no greater than
5 percent.

-- Referendum (Plebiscite, the decision of the people). There should be no quorum, certainly not one as high as 60 percent. That leads to boycott of the referendum, of which there have been many examples in Italy and Germany.

-- In referendum the decision should be made by a simple majority of the votes cast, as in an election of candidates and in referenda of many US states.

-- A Referendum Day once a year is too infrequent. It might be necessary to have too many ballot issues on one day. Maybe hold two Referendum Days per year or leave this open as in German Lands.

-- An information booklet to accompany referenda is a good idea (compare Switzerland, California and also Hambuurg).

-- Compulsory declaration of donations received is a good idea.

-- Having an electoral commission to ensure fair competition for votes has worked well in Ireland

-- An alternative proposal of the parliament may be put to referendum together with the citizens' proposal. I recommend this procedure, known in Switzerland as a "Konkurrenzvorlage.

-- in addition to the "classical" citizens' law-making I recommend that consideration be given to the instrument of obligatory referendum, for instance concerning integration in the European Union.

I would be pleased to answer questions.

Regards
Tim Weber