Reasons To Disagree
The problem with having too many referenda can be seen in California: a) you burn people out on too much voting, and b) you put huge pressure on the budget as everyone votes for spending increases and tax decreases.
A similar situation in the cantons of Switzerland, I think. Participatory democracy seems to lead to poltical apathy, and the risk of interest group domination. For an NZ example, just look at students' associations and their low participation rates.
Costs to much and would create to much static.
The majority is almost never up to speed to make detailed decisions, because the big questions are always simpler than the answers
Normal people with normal lives would not have time to vote so frequently so we would be at the mercy of losers.
hmmm.... we would have to set aside another day to vote on what are the most important issues. Then we'd have to set aside another to decide on the ones we'd put on the list for that vote.....
Most people don't follow politics much so this would end up being a voice for the already committed which they have already in the parliamentary system
Referenda should be used very sparingly. We vote in a government to make decisions on our behalf. If we don't like the decisions that they make then we should vote them out.
One of the problems with referenda is that too often the voters don't understand the issues. That's why we have governments, and not direct democracy.
If the government feels that a referendum is justified, then it should be binding.
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Reasons To Agree
i believe we should have one day a year where we vote on the 10 most important issues because people would have more say on the issues .
i come from switzerland :D people are happy there
As long as the referendum are binding, I am for it.
Referenda should be a fundamental cornerstone of democracy. Providing binding referendum is a positive step forward however it would require a certain minimum level of participation - otherwise it would only serve minority group interests. This need not be an expensive process in this day and age - if we get rid of more politicians and administrators performing useless activites this would provide a budget for the required initiatives.
A democracy that allows it's voting citizens to decide on the most contentious issues, binding with a significant majority, is a better democracy.
The concerning aspect of NZ politics has been the tendancy of sitting governments to ignore public opinion despite public mobilisation on several issues over the last few years.
Yes! Democracy is power to the people, the rule of the majority. Democracy is not voting for the government that will screw you the least!
one day would be a great start to us really having a say but i think we shold be asked when its inportant( before it gets passed in a hurry through parliment without our say) as it does now! We are finding out about law changes and bill amendment changes after is been crushed or flung through..... We want to be able to have our say before its too late!!
Could work... but not binding referenda.
Another no-brainer. People want democracy, but to disagree with this is saying the opposite. People M.uST show some reponsibility about how they want to live.
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