Real electoral reform

The key ingredient that we need if we are to see genuine electoral reform is not alternative representation, but wider participation. An alternative system of representation that saw the House of Lords filled with elected politicians, for instance, each with an eye on re-election and, for all intents and purposes, no different from the House of Commons, would probably be a pale shadow of the Upper House that we currently have, largely filled with people who bring a depth of experience from many fields, few of whom might win a popular vote in today's celebrity culture, but who nevertheless perform a far greater service for the public than any talent that might be presented to the country by the likes of the X Factor.

It does no good to complain, as some do, that 'The overwhelming majority of us live in safe seats where we are increasingly neglected by the political parties both during and between elections.'

The answer is to get involved – both during and between elections! If a voter complains that they have not been contacted by the political parties because they live in a 'safe' seat, the solution is for them to become locally active in the party of their choice! The bible warns us against becoming too dependent upon any one person or public body and invites everyone to play their part in the communities in which they live and work.

From the perspective of political theology, government is ultimately about creating the conditions under which society might thrive through the direct responsibility and action of individuals, families and local organisations, but not forcing change itself. Relevant principles from Catholic Social Teaching and the 'sphere-sovereignty' of Dutch theologian and politician Abraham Kuyper, that we don't have time to explore here in detail, include subsidiarity (the ideal of devolving power to the lowest appropriate level) and solidarity (the requirement for state intervention to look after the disadvantaged) with the intention of maintaining human dignity and, ultimately, promoting the common good.

The Jubilee Centre will soon be publishing a report arguing that the bible envisages a genuine 'big society' – but one that is better, not just bigger, by virtue of the greater participation of all its members.

The bible repeatedly teaches us that the centralisation of power in any individual or institution increases the temptation for corruption and exploitation. The Old Testament in particular therefore envisages power being balanced across various sources of authority: the individual, family, community, religious bodies (Levites), region (tribe), and nation. Between them they formed a network of concurrent authorities each instituted by God and protected, limited and empowered by the national constitution. Moreover, they each fostered a particular means for individuals to engage in the policies of the state. Some of these six biblical jurisdictions are directly paralleled by the same institutions today (such as the individual and the region); others may have broad reflections in modern-day analogues such as businesses and the third sector (community), the Church and other faith groups (Levites).

As the Jubilee Centre concluded in our general election guide to the issues, Votewise Now, the biblical mandate is for all of us to engage as 'salt' and 'light' at all times and in all places. 'We are called into … a life of service for our fellow human beings, and creation. We vote, not simply for what is best for us, but for what is best for others.' But our service does not stop at how we cast our ballots. The bible challenges us to get involved; to join a political party and help choose who the candidates are; to attend public meetings and stand for public positions ourselves, for instance as school governors or local councillors.

Ultimately, whatever electoral system we have, we will still be disillusioned and disappointed with the results, for no leader or team of leaders, however gifted, is able to solve all society's problems. Let me conclude with another Central Asian anecdote. Rival political candidates were due to speak at a hustings and Mulla Nasruddin was chosen to introduce them. He began by telling the crowd, 'I want to present to you someone who, above anyone else I know, has the welfare of each and every one of you at heart. More than anyone else, they are singly devoted to our great and glorious nation.' Then he turned to the candidates and asked, 'Which of you wants to talk first?' In reality, only when Christ finally establishes his kingdom will calls for reform cease.


John Hayward is Executive Director of the Jubilee Centre. This article first appeared on the Jubilee Centre website www.jubilee-centre.org and is printed here with permission