Election System Versus Public Contest

An Alternative to Rigged Electoral System

Summary:

The proposal aims to replace traditional elections with public contests, offering citizens a chance to participate actively in governance. It includes:

1. Accessible Training and Nationwide Examination: Online training and standardised exams open to individuals with clean records.

2. Removal and Accountability of Public Officials: Officials can be removed for corruption, criminal offences, or public agreement. Citizens can initiate procedures against them.

3. Transparent Finances and Scrutiny: Public finances are open to public inspection, and expenses can be rejected by a common committee.

The shift to public contests offers several advantages:

1. Meritocracy Over Political Influence: Focus on competence rather than political power.

2. Transparency and Accountability: Transparent finances and accountability mechanisms reduce corruption.

3. Empowerment of Citizens: Citizen involvement and accountability are reinforced.

4. Equal Opportunity Through Education: A transition period ensures equal preparation for all citizens.

5. Elimination of Campaigns and Propaganda: Reduces the influence of money in public affairs and fake news.

6. Efficiency in Decision-Making: Knowledge-based governance promotes informed policies and administration.

7. Trust in Governance: Emphasis on transparency builds trust in government decisions.

A society valuing education and civic engagement experiences:

1. Informed Decision-Making: Educated citizens make informed choices in public affairs.

2. Effective Governance: Engaged citizens hold leaders accountable for better governance.

3. Enhanced Problem-Solving: Analytical skills foster innovative solutions to societal challenges.

4. Reduced Corruption: Vigilance against corruption leads to more accountable institutions.

5. Social Cohesion: Education fosters tolerance and empathy, promoting societal unity.

6. Economic Development: A skilled workforce drives economic growth and adaptation.

7. Democratic Values: Education nurtures democratic values, strengthening society.

8. Broader Opportunities: An educated society offers more opportunities for growth and progress.

In conclusion, a society with educated and engaged individuals experiences improved governance, reduced corruption, and enhanced societal development.

Abstract

Initially, democracy aimed to empower citizens, elevate life quality, and ensure justice and freedom for all—a noble ideal. However, this vision has been compromised, with democracy manipulated by financial powers for their gain.

True democracy thrives on transparent, unbiased information for informed decision-making. Sadly, mainstream media, controlled by the elite, skews reality and suppresses the majority's voice. Education, essential for informed voting, faces consistent attacks, leaving many ill-equipped to engage meaningfully in public matters.

Corruption reigns globally, allowing the powerful to manipulate opinions and legislation. Media outlets are mouthpieces for the elite, rarely representing society's diverse layers.

Throughout history, a mere fraction—mainly affluent individuals—holds colossal wealth and power, steering the fate of billions.

The social contract lies in tatters; most struggle for a basic, peaceful life. Minimum wages barely sustain survival, while humanity recklessly damages the environment.

The elite's control over data exacerbates manipulation, restricting rights, and widening wealth gaps. Current systems overlook the true face of poverty—a lack of freedom and happiness.

Despite this, technological advancements and immense resources offer hope for change. We must rethink democracy, revitalizing education, transparent information, and citizen empowerment to build a fairer future.

Challenges of Modernity: Inequality, Environmental Crisis, and the Struggle for Freedom 

However, despite technological advancements, the overall human condition hasn't progressed in tandem. Poverty remains widespread, affecting billions worldwide. A majority struggle through full-time work merely to make ends meet.

Simultaneously, humanity faces grave environmental challenges—forests ablaze, ecosystems devastated, mining activities, oceans suffused with plastic pollution, and conflict prevailing among us. Amidst the chaos, many work ceaselessly, utilizing advanced technology not for societal progress but for mere sustenance—living paycheck to paycheck, paying rent, and surviving.

Meanwhile, the privileged class amasses wealth destined to endure for centuries. This accumulation bestows control over natural resources, technology, electoral systems, and pervasive propaganda, perpetuating the enduring inequality within our economic and social structures.

Adding to these disparities, public dissent faces curtailment in modern democracies through laws prohibiting public demonstrations.

Data ownership rests in the hands of the elite, enabling control and manipulation. Through fear tactics and oppressive measures, they suppress rights, limit freedoms, and exploit circumstances, even seizing the narrative during the pandemic. The impending introduction of a centralised digital currency further threatens individual financial autonomy.

The aftermath of Covid-19 lockdowns saw thousands of small businesses shuttered, while new billionaires emerged, exacerbating the chasm between the affluent and the marginalised.

Existing control systems fail. The poverty threshold, devised to assess the minimum cost of living, neglects the pursuit of happiness and freedom. It doesn't acknowledge individuals compelled to work excessive hours for basic survival—overlooking the plight of those who toil fifty hours weekly, yet barely subsist.

Quantifying those living under these conditions remains a challenge. Global income studies disregard the threshold required for true freedom.

While poverty has plagued humanity for millennia, hope exists in technological advancements that enhance production efficiency and lower costs. Additionally, vast sums reside in private banks globally, juxtaposed against exorbitant spending on armaments.

We can afford to work less and lead a more comfortable life. The only obstacle to that is the elites' greed. It's never enough for them.

We need to adjust the reddit distribution in our favour and get a fairer share of world’s wealth, but under the current government system, we're at a severe disadvantage, even though we are the ones who produce the wealth.

Freedom's Shackles: A Reflection on Modern-Day Slavery

The essence of freedom stands in stark contrast to enslavement. If the prospect of leaving your job terrifies you due to uncertainty about the next few months, or if negotiation for a different lifestyle feels impossible, your freedom is curtailed. True freedom encompasses the ability to fulfil lifelong dreams, to traverse the world at least once.

When stuck in a job that confines you—a prisoner to an unfulfilling existence, shrouded in fear, confusion, and hopelessness—know that this is the ploy of a rigged system. It exploits your abilities, vitality, and essence for the benefit of those who oppress. Under the guise of different work arrangements—zero-hour contracts, self-employment, or temporary roles devoid of paid leave, health coverage, leisure time, free speech, and access to reliable information—you're reduced to a modern-day slave.

The presence of fear is overwhelming - uncertainties regarding job stability, terrorism, an unseen virus, societal fractures, and religious disparities create anxiety about what lies ahead. This feeling of isolation and hopelessness worsens as authorities enforce isolation under the guise of the Covid-19 pandemic. Restrictions on social interactions—no hugs, handshakes, or assemblies—are meant to isolate us even more and further divide and weaken us by creating a sense of hopelessness and desperation.

Many toil as paid workers, yet they live as captives.

Historically, enslaved Black individuals endured a system that, though inherently degrading and oppressive, provided essentials for survival—a home, sustenance, healthcare, and some semblance of leisure. They faced unimaginable humiliation, brutality, and deprivation of rights but relied upon the whims of their owners for basic necessities and freedoms.

Contrarily, today's workforce, regardless of race, lacks such fundamental securities. Housing costs consume nearly half of an average worker's income, especially in cities like London. Modern workers not only pay for accommodation but also bear transportation expenses—unlike enslaved Black individuals who were 'transported' at their buyers' expense. Today's migrants and refugees pay exorbitant fees, often facing perilous journeys to toil in wealthy nations, devoid of insurance or rights.

This contrast between historical servitude and present-day exploitation reveals a disheartening reality.

I could go down this road for hours illustrating how human life has been oppressive over human history, but I think you get my point.

However, although hygiene, life expectancy, and civilization levels have improved, human freedom to pursue happiness and the meaning of life remains out of touch for roughly ninety per cent of humanity.

Current State of Democracy: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

Picture yourself as a freshly elected parliamentarian, stepping into your office greeted by a guided tour to your designated workspace. The inundation begins—invitations flood in for galas, official meetings, and a myriad of tasks. Amidst this whirlwind, you find yourself attending an influential dinner where promises of network building for your constituency are exchanged.

In this setting, an intriguing proposition surfaces: a donation for your proposed project, hinging on your vote for an impending bill. Should you accept, an alliance with lobbyists is forged, assuring favorable outcomes in the corridors of power. This scenario epitomizes the landscape of modern democracies, where immense financial resources wield a remarkable sway over legislative bodies worldwide.

Financial behemoths fund political campaigns, using their owned media channels to amplify their agenda, skillfully camouflaging monetary incentives as legitimate political contributions. On a global scale, foreign entities exert influence, manipulating parliaments to dislodge governments and enthrone malleable leaders contrary to public preferences.

Politicians, molded and financed by the financial establishment, navigate their tenures serving the interests of their benefactors. The cozy relationship between donors and elected officials intertwines campaign funding with legislative action, ultimately steering decisions in favour of the elite few rather than the broader populace.

Rethinking Democracy: Embracing a Public Contest

Under the existing system, only those with an extraordinary commitment to altruism would willingly forgo personal gain in favour of the greater good. Sadly, the reality is that humans are primarily driven by self-interest, often characterised by greed, individualism, and an inherent sense of selfishness.

Yet, amidst these human flaws, there persists an innate aspiration for freedom, security, love, peace, and harmony. Despite our deceptive tendencies, there's an inherent spiritual journey we embark upon as individuals—what some might call the journey of the soul. It's a universal law, an odyssey that commenced eons ago. Some among us are further along this path, wholly devoted to our ultimate aim: illumination or, as religions term it, salvation. Despite the various terms, we all seek the same destination—union with the divine, a state of yoga.

Those who ardently seek truth and are committed to the welfare of others should be the torchbearers of global leadership. What we truly need are principled individuals dedicated to the common good rather than the self-serving motives of the greedy ruling class.

This reality transcends religious boundaries; it's tied to the progress of the soul, shaping our intuitive faculties and character. It's a misconception to separate our worldly problems from the spiritual realm, a topic we'll delve into more deeply in subsequent discussions. Today, our focus lies in transcending the confines of this stagnant, oppressive labyrinth and constructing a more equitable electoral system that authentically represents the diverse layers of society.

Transitioning to Public Contests: An Alternative to the Election System

It's imperative that we establish a system enabling citizens to actively engage in governing their communities across all tiers. Instead of the conventional process of electing public officials, we propose accessing various public administration positions through a public contest.

This system would entail online training accessible to all citizens, culminating in a nationwide examination. The test, open to individuals with a clean criminal record and passing a character assessment, follows a standardised model akin to IELTS or TOEFL. These tests, undisclosed until all candidates are ready to commence, encompass a range of subjects including human sciences, political science, history, local and global governance, mathematics, literature, diplomacy, and the current global landscape.

The essence of the Public Contest is its independence from the financial burdens of electoral campaigns, which have been the downfall of modern democracy. Public Officers would face removal if engaged in illicit activities, corruption, criminal offences, or deemed unfit by the majority of a court of justice. Any citizen holds the right to instigate a procedure against a public officer, with their successor taking the role in case of removal.

Furthermore, all public finances would be transparent and subject to swift scrutiny by the public, with a committee authorised to reject expenses.

Education as the Bedrock of the Political System

There might be concerns that this system inherently favours the educated, thus limiting the ability of the less privileged to pass the exam. However, this isn't entirely accurate, as a transition period of four to eight years is proposed to ensure equal participation across the population under similar conditions.

Candidates would be encouraged to dedicate their time to thorough preparation, thereby leveling the cultural playing field. To foster broader perspectives and mutual learning, individuals interested in engaging in the administrative system could form discussion groups focusing on books, articles, films, and current affairs.

Under this system, misinformation and propaganda lose their sway, rendered powerless in influencing outcomes.

Implementing a system based on public contests for public administration roles offers several potential advantages for society:

1. Meritocracy Over Political Influence: Public contests would shift the focus from political affiliations and monetary power to knowledge, skills, and competence. This transition to merit-based selection can potentially lead to more qualified individuals in administrative positions.

2. Increased Transparency and Accountability: With transparent finances and stringent scrutiny, the system ensures that public funds are managed and used more responsibly. This could significantly reduce corruption and embezzlement.

3. Empowerment of Citizens: Allowing any citizen to initiate a procedure against a public official reinforces citizen involvement and accountability. This could enhance the feeling of ownership of the government among the population.

4. Equal Opportunity Through Education: By providing a transition period for education and preparation, the system aims to level the playing field. This offers an opportunity for citizens from diverse backgrounds to participate on an equal footing.

5. Elimination of Political Campaigns and Propaganda: Public contests minimize the influence of money in politics, effectively eliminating the need for expensive electoral campaigns. This could reduce the impact of fake news and propaganda, fostering a more informed electorate.

6. Efficiency in Decision-Making: With officials selected based on knowledge and competence, there's a likelihood of more efficient and informed decision-making in governance, potentially leading to more effective policies and administration.

7. Trust in Governance: The system's emphasis on transparency, merit, and public scrutiny could instill greater trust in the government, as decisions are seen as less influenced by vested interests and more aligned with the public good.

Overall, such a system aims to reshape the dynamics of governance, fostering a more transparent, accountable, and informed administration, thereby potentially benefiting society as a whole.

A society that prioritises education and personal engagement in public affairs tends to experience several positive outcomes:

1. Informed Decision-Making: Education equips individuals with critical thinking skills and a broader knowledge base. Engaged citizens are more likely to understand complex societal issues, evaluate information critically, and make informed decisions when participating in public affairs.

2. Effective Governance: With a more educated populace, there's a greater ability to hold leaders accountable. Engaged citizens actively participate in discussions, debates, and civic processes, which can lead to more effective governance as public officials are under closer scrutiny and pressure to perform well.

3. Enhanced Problem-Solving: Education fosters analytical skills, enabling individuals to propose innovative solutions to societal challenges. Engaged citizens contribute diverse perspectives and ideas, leading to more comprehensive problem-solving approaches.

4. Reduced Corruption: A well-educated society tends to be more vigilant against corruption. Engaged individuals are more likely to report irregularities, demand transparency, and hold public officials accountable, thereby reducing corruption in public institutions.

5. Social Cohesion: Education often promotes tolerance, understanding, and empathy. Engaged citizens tend to foster a more inclusive society by participating in community-building activities, advocating for marginalised groups, and promoting social cohesion.

6. Economic Development: Education correlates with economic growth. A society with a well-educated populace is more likely to have a skilled workforce, innovate, and adapt to changing economic landscapes, contributing to overall economic prosperity.

7. Stronger Democratic Values: Education nurtures democratic values such as respect for human rights, tolerance, equality, and participation in decision-making. Engaged citizens actively uphold these values, strengthening the democratic fabric of society.

8. Broader Avenues for Everyone: The fact that through studying, one can become even the president of their country may encourage people to explore more, so we'll have a more educated and efficient society. Under this principle, education must be accessible and available for all. An efficient society is able to produce more in less time. Consequently, we can afford more leisure time, we can study more, and grow economically and spiritually.

In summary, a more educated society with actively engaged individuals in public affairs tends to experience improved governance, reduced corruption, enhanced problem-solving, and increased social cohesion, leading to overall progress and development.

Implementation Roadmap for Public Contest in Public Administration

Phase 1: Awareness and Media Transition

Media Reformation: Initiate a comprehensive media reform campaign that focuses on transitioning away from biased media outlets. Encourage the establishment of independent, transparent, and reliable news sources to counter misinformation.

Educational Awareness: Launch a nationwide educational campaign to inform citizens about the shortcomings of the current electoral system and the benefits of the proposed Public Contest. This includes workshops, seminars, and educational programs.

Referendum: Conduct a referendum to gauge public sentiment towards transitioning to the Public Contest system. Encourage citizens to participate actively in the decision-making process.

Phase 2: Committee Formation and Standards Establishment

Committee Formation: Establish an inclusive committee composed of diverse experts, including intellectuals, educators, legal representatives, and community leaders. This committee will be responsible for outlining the standards and guidelines for the Public Contest.

Transparent Standardization: Engage in public discourse and deliberation to determine the comprehensive curriculum for the Public Contest, incorporating essential subjects and areas of knowledge. Ensure transparency and inclusivity throughout the process.

Phase 3: Test Preparation and Implementation

Preparation Phase: Develop a comprehensive training program accessible to all citizens, focusing on the required subjects and competencies for the Public Contest. Allocate resources for public education and training initiatives.

Secured Testing Facilities: Ensure the establishment of secure, standardized testing centers nationwide equipped with necessary resources such as computers and examination materials.

Fair Testing Mechanism: Create a rigorous testing mechanism that guarantees fairness, impartiality, and anonymity for all candidates. Incorporate strict security protocols to safeguard the integrity of the testing process.

Phase 4: Public Engagement and Finalisation

Public Consultation: Conduct open forums, public consultations, and online discussions to gather feedback, suggestions, and queries from the citizens regarding the Public Contest. Emphasize inclusivity and openness.

Finalization and Implementation: Based on public input and committee recommendations, finalize the structure and processes for the Public Contest. Establish a clear timeline for its implementation, ensuring widespread dissemination of information to the public.

Continued Monitoring and Adaptation: Implement mechanisms for continuous evaluation, feedback collection, and necessary adjustments to ensure the effectiveness, fairness, and evolution of the Public Contest system.

This roadmap aims to ensure a gradual and participatory transition to the Public Contest system, prioritising transparency, inclusivity, and the active engagement of citizens at every stage of the process.

https://gideonborges.com 06/07/2022