DIRECT DEMOCRACY FOR GERAKAN?

Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has made a call of direct democracy, for the coming party election of UMNO. If that is going to work out, it means the Presidency and the offices of the party will elected by each and every members of UMNO.

Well, let us ignored what is the political agenda of Razaleign in making this call. But, “Direct Democracy” can be a tool, as to re-invent Gerakan.

Until today, there is none of the political party practiced a direct democracy system. All of them are practicing “Representative Democracy“, i.e. at the branch level, the members elect the delegates; then from the branch delegates they elect the state delegates; and then from state delegates they elect national delegates; and finally national delegates elect the premier of the political party.

Ideally, the representative democracy is practical due to the geographical distance between the members. However, we now is in 21st century where basically the technology has wiped out the “distance” between the members. It is not expensive, if we are going to practice direct democracy.

We know what money politics is all about. Certain politicians will using their monetary and political influences, in securing the votes from the delegates. Therefore, the results of poll may not reflecting the views and opinions of the member.

However, by practicing direct democracy for the party election, then the bribery may become irrelevant and impracticable. To bribe-at-large, is something impossible to be achieved.

Gerakan advocating democracy, as stated in the party constitution. Since Gerakan is going to re-invent itself, then why not be the first party to practice a direct democracy? Let each and every members vote, let the wishes of the member become a strong mandate given to the leaders.

Gerakan always practicing “negotiations” and “mediations“, before the nominations for the party election. Well, Gerakan did practice the democracy system, but how many times does the member has a chance to vote?

At the end of the day, most of the offices have been pre-arranged. For the sake of stability of the party, the members’ wishes have been disregard.

Since Gerakan is talking about re-invent itself, why not look into the direct democracy? Shall Gerakan take the lead?