In some ways, elections are the opposite of democracy. But these two entirely different concepts have been hopelessly confused. The result? Oligarchic rule continues, regardless of which party wins. It's time to explore better ways. My column. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Our system is designed for the powerful to retain control. Participatory democracy and a lottery vote are just two ways to gain real representation, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
Excellent article. As a primary teacher, I can see a way to introduce the concept of sortition through e.g. choosing the members of the school council via lottery. Knowledge and experience of these concepts at a young age can only be a good thing.
Hélène Landemore has also written about this in her book Open Democracy. I've been talking up the idea ever since I read it.
Please keep on!
Thanks for the article, a reminder both of our duty and the need to think clearly about what exactly is happening here. I also enjoyed David Van Reybrouck's 2013 book "Against Elections", but my 2016 edition, annoyingly, has the picture of a certain former US President on the cover
Love George Monbiot's writing but this is one can surely be counted among one of his weakest ideas. Reformism for the sake of reform doesn't actually address any of the issues he names at the begining of the column such as "nuclear war".