Both of these problems are part of the “democracy deficit,” but what can the
parties do to address and reduce it?
Twenty-five per cent of the electorate participated, more than 16,500 voters
– far more than would normally attend a closed party-members-only
nomination meeting. It is yet to be seen whether this will increase voter
participation in the next election, but at least the voters of Totnes will not be
able to say they had no opportunity to determine whose name got on the
ballot.
Like most national political parties, the Tories have a section in their party
platform labelled International Development. In it, they profess their
commitment to assisting “people around the world living in poverty” and
promise “to help those struggling with hunger, illiteracy and environmental
instability.”
Fine words, like most of the words in party platforms. But why should any
voter believe them, given the track record of so many parties, leaders and
candidates in failing to live up to their commitments and promises?
Suppose, for example, that the election platform of the Conservative Party of
Canada contains commitments to provide more support to the families of
Canadian military personnel. As a governing party, it is already in a position
to direct more public support to such families and has done so. But one
wonders if the overall credibility of the party's commitment in this area might
be further enhanced if just one of its numerous fundraising letters was
dedicated to soliciting contributions to the Military Families Fund initiated by
General Rick Hillier.
Party Platform Projects need not be grandiose, can even be initiated at the
constituency level and should not be “oversold” if they are to be credible.