Has Democracy Let People Down

“Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage.” - H L Mencken

Treaty Principles Bill

Democracy may seem like a circus at times, leading to some feeling let down by the democratically elected government. In New Zealand, a bill was put forward by David Seymour of the Act Party called The Treaty Principles Bill. Act alongside New Zealand First are the minor parties to National of the coalition government. It is a hugely controversial bill, seeking to redefine the terms of the Treaty of Waitangi. Terms agreed upon by all signatories to the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between the Queen and Maori tribes. 

Any leader of the National Party with foresight and a deep knowledge of the history between National and Maori, would have very quickly understood the bill to be divisive. There was no need to succumb to Act’s David Seymour to agree to it as a term of coalition. One of the intentions of this bill is to abolish the right of Maori to be consulted on any development within historically tribal land, even if title belongs to others. Opening the way for developers to do as they please.

Either way letdowns happen in a democracy

For some this is an example of people, on either side of the political spectrum, feeling let down by the processes of democracy. It is an unnecessary and divisive distraction for the National Party with more pressing economic issues to address. For many New Zealanders relations between Maori and other groups of society were peaceful due to the acceptance of Maori input on matters directly affecting them. 

National have publicly declared that they will not support the Treaty Principles Bill when it comes up for it’s second reading. It is a declaration in line with other political parties including the Greens, the Labour Party and New Zealand First. Former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley called the bill unconscionable. Shipley as well as Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau and former Green MP Gareth Hughes have all voiced strong opposition to the bill.

Other Arguments

In a democracy there are so many different viewpoints someone will be disappointed whatever the outcome. Democracy letting people down is debateable, the subject is complex, what it does allow is any view can be publicly expressed. Arguments to be considered.

• Economic inequality: There is nothing new about economic inequality in any country. What a democracy does is provide an opportunity for citizens to improve their position in life.

• Political Polarisation: It happens in democracies. What matters is the type of democracy that forms a government. New Zealand and other countries try to broaden the representation of its citizens through a process such as MMP. The USA has only two parties to represent the views of its citizens, resulting in extreme polarisation.

• Inefficiency leading to slow progress: It is a reality of a democracy. Many inputs slow progress. An oligarchy or dictatorship is concerned with only one viewpoint. China can build massive infrastructure projects at speed because the barriers to the project are removed.

• Special interests influence e.g. Elon Musk with President Trump and Doge.

• Voter Apathy: The danger here is that size of the apathy group affects the outcome of the vote.

• Rise of populism and authoritarianism. Donald Trump, Elon Musk and acolytes.

• Tyranny of the majority: Indigenous people around the planet have seen their rights and legitimate claims be suppressed by the tyranny of the majority.

• Short term focus: A drawback of a democracy is long term goals for the good of the country are slowed because politicians are more concerned of getting re-elected. Re-elected no matter the cost to the nation.

My View

In a democracy - letting people down happens. Diverse viewpoints freely expressed will always result in disappointment for citizens of a democratic country. What is important in a democracy is that the human rights of the individual, like the freedom to express one’s views, are upheld no matter which political party is in government. Of all the institutions humankind has built, a democratic government with democratic principles, is the greatest of them all.