Does the UK suffer from a democratic deficit?

A democratic deficit in layman's terms simply means that there is a lack of democracy in a organisation/institution which claims to have one.

There are many examples which aid my point of the UK suffering from a democratic deficit, one of them being the European parliament. This is a clear example in order to show that we are suffering from a democratic deficit. Due to the pooled sovereignty, because citizens of Europe are actually unsure as to where the power lies, the fact that three countries aren't apart of the EU but fund it and are involved in decisions is a massive factor as to why the European parliament is so confusing.  It is too complicated for citizens to be involved in decision making.

This shows clear democratic deficit because democracy is meant to be 'for the people' which is clearly  contradicted because it is too confusing for citizens to even comprehend voting. This is demonstrated in the last voter turn out statistics being only 34%.

Furthermore the electoral system supports the argument of the UK suffering from a democratic deficit. The First Past The Post system is also referred to as 'the winner takes all', this voting system lacks democracy because the results are not truly representative of the nations voice. For example 80% of the people's votes will be dispersed amongst say 6 different parties, but the other 20%'s votes will be dedicated to one party's. The party with the 'majority' of 20% will win the vote, this is also referred to as the 'minority rule'.  This shows clear democratic deficit because the real majority of people's voices are being restricted again.

Another example of where a democratic deficit is shown is within the House of lords, they are unelected which is very undemocratic because the nation have no say once again. Them being unelected presents the idea that we are in a country that likes us to believe we are in a 100% democratic country through their emphasis on the general election and referendums, but their failure to emphasise the undemocratic features will be overlooked by the average person.

Although most of us are given the right the vote in elections and referendums, homeless people and prisoners are not, which could be argued as undemocratic. But however the majority are given that privilege but is voting every 5 years worth suffering with a democratic deficit every day?

Would a change in our voting system enhance our democracy?

Currently our voting system in the UK is the ‘First Past The Post’ system. The definition of the FPTP system: “First Past the Post is the electoral system used to elect the UK parliament. Under First Past The Post voting takes place in constituencies that elect a single MP each. Voters put a cross on a ballot paper next to their favoured candidate and the candidate with the most votes in the constituency wins.” But is it really that simple, is it fair and democratic?     

                                                                                           

Democracy is challenged within this system, the main factor being that the number of votes cast for a party in the general election is not reflected in the number of seats that are won. For example 1997 election when the Conservatives gained 18% of the vote in Scotland but not one seat. This issue does not just occur at general election level, it is also an issue at constituency level. It is not truly representative or democratic, furthermore smaller parties are not fairly treated underneath the FPTP system. They may have a large number of votes nationally but they do not get a proportional amount of MP’s because there are not enough votes concentrated within one constituency.

Moreover, the FPTP system encourages tactical voting, this means that you would vote for another party rather than your preferred party just to prevent another party from being elected into power. This also is linked to the issue of smaller parties not having a chance of gaining complete supremacy. People believe that smaller parties are a ‘wasted vote’ due to the larger parties having a strong mandate and the perception of only the two major parties forever being the two major parties. An example of this would be the Green party VS Conservatives and Labour.

But there are some advantages of the FPTP system; there is very little chance of extremist parties being placed into power due to the fact that they are unlikely to gain enough votes in any one constituency in order to gain power.

Another advantage of the FPTP system would be that the results can be counted quickly and efficiently meaning that the transfer of power is quick and easy.

A change in the voting system in my opinion would enhance our democracy massively, depending if it is the right change and the new system is more representative of all voices and is more representative of the nation as a whole.

The disadvantages of the current electoral system definitely and unfortunately outweigh the advantages.