non adversarial elections

MUTUALISTIC, NON–ADVERSARIALELECTIONS

Peter C. Newton-Evans

November 2012

PUCE-Quito

Functions of a Group

1. To accomplish the tasks and objectivesfor which it was created

2. To create and strengthen unity among2. To create and strengthen unity amongits members

3. To develop the potentialities of itsmembers

Roles of Good Leaders

Establish the purpose for the consultation.

Emphasize the benefits of solutions that benefit all.

Assume the role of group coordinator. Assume the role of group coordinator.

Periodically summarize opinions, possibilities forconsensus and move group toward an agreement.

Give credit to group members for decisions andachievements.

Involve everyone in the work to be done.

Traditional Leadership

Style:

Authoritarian

Paternalistic

Effects:

Passive resistance

Dependency on leaderPaternalistic

Know-it-all

Manipulative

Dependency on leader

Inferiority, fear of errors

Mistrust, cynicism (incredulity)

The New Leadership Servant Leadership: an attitude of service towards others. Goal-oriented Leadership: transcends problem-oriented

activity by following a vision. People-Centered Leadership: developing abilities is at least as

important as getting the job done.important as getting the job done. Empowering Leadership: believes in and promotes the

development of man’s inherent nobility. Transformational Leadership: seeks psycho-cultural and

socio-structural change. Principle-centered Leadership: seeks to discover and apply the

truth in all situations. Moral Leadership: morality defined not only as not doing

harm, but especially seeking the wellbeing of others.

Three Types of Democracy

A commitment to an electoral process(representative democracy)

The emphasis on consensus building The emphasis on consensus building(consent-based democracy)

Participation in implementing decisions(participatory democracy)

Is democracythe solution?

Divisive Party Politics

Promoting VestedInterestsInterests

Participation afterdecision is made

Elections not truly free

Illogic of governmentversus opposition

Problems with Democracy

Electioneering leads to a lack of suitable candidates.

Narrowly focused on representative democracy andelections, ignoring the participatory dimension.

Pseudo-participation: leaders invite opinions, but Pseudo-participation: leaders invite opinions, butcontinue to impose their ideas.

Decision-making based on partisan struggles, whichdoes not lead to the common good.

Little emphasis on other capabilities needed foreffective leadership.

Against Partisan Elections

“The ideology of partisanship that has everywhereboldly assumed democracy’s name… today findsitself mired in the cynicism, apathy, and corruptionto which it has given rise. In selecting those whoto which it has given rise. In selecting those whoare to take collective decisions on its behalf, societydoes not need and is not well served by the politicaltheater of nominations, candidature, electioneering,and solicitation.”

(Bahá’í International Community,“The Prosperity of Humankind”)

Competitive ElectionsWhat type of person do they favor?

Committed to those who financedtheir campaign.

Based on short-term convenience, Based on short-term convenience,not on universal principles

Ambitious, power-hungry

Proud of themselves, critical ofothers

Is this the type of person we wantas our leaders?

Let’s Discuss

What is the purpose of holding elections?

When people seek leadership roles, whatstrategies do they use to get elected?

As a result of this, what kinds of people tend As a result of this, what kinds of people tendto get elected?

Are these the most desirable characteristics ina leader? Why or why not?

If an election produces these results, has itfulfilled its purpose?

Conclusions

The adversarial electoral system producesa “social dilemma”: when everyone actsaccording to the logic of the system, it failsto fulfill its purpose, or collapses.to fulfill its purpose, or collapses.

We need to change the rules of the game toreplace it with a mutualistic or cooperativeelectoral system.

One such system is called “Candidate-FreeElections.” Let’s give it a try!

Decide how many members to elect (#N)

Discuss their duties and the qualities theyshould have, without mentioning names

No candidates nominated: all are eligible

Electoral Method

No candidates nominated: all are eligible

Secret election: no names mentioned before,during or after voting

Each voter writes N names on the ballot slip

Those with simple majority are the members

If there is a tie, vote again among those tied

Solidarity with the common good

An open, inquisitive mind

Qualities we Seek

Justice and integrity

A spirit of service

Recognized ability

Mature experience

Non-considerations

Gender

Religion

Social class

National origin

Racial or ethnic group

Other secondary matters

De-Briefing

Having tried a “Candidate-free Election,”

What advantages does it have over the usualmethod?method?

How can we promote this approach in othergroups we belong to?

Could that provide an opportunity to talkabout what we have learned in this course?

Thank YouThank You

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