Democracy or Dictatorship?

Do you think we live in a democracy?

Recently a radio interviewer asked me, “Why call it a Campaign4Democracy, when we already live in a democracy?”

Well, it’s because more and more New Zealanders are coming to the conclusion that our democracy now consists of just having the privilege of electing a new dictator every three years! In our system of representative democracy if those we elect are not listening to and carrying out the wishes of those that have elected them, then what democracy do we have?

The Prime Minister in New Zealand controls the Executive and Legislative branches of our Government and the Attorney General, (with approval from the PM of course), appoints our Supreme Court Judges.  Add to that the fact that the Queen, as our Head of State, appoints the Governor General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, and the Governor General then acts only upon the recommendations of the Prime Minister, and you can begin to understand the extent of the abuse of power that can occur. 

Campaign4Democracy organiser Larry Baldock announced today that petition collections on a CIR petition seeking to make referenda binding on Parliament have now passed the 10,000 signature milestone.

"My wife and I have met most of these people over the past 2 months since we began collecting, and we are convinced that the vast majority of New Zealanders are not happy with the democracy they are experiencing. It only amounts to the right to elect a new dictator every three years in many peoples eyes", said Mr Baldock.