Madam, - One of the leading theorists arguing for a concept ofdemocracy that affords a limited role for citizens in political lifeclaims "democracy means only that the people have the opportunity ofaccepting or refusing the men who are to rule them" (Schumpeter, 1943,pages 284-285). Leaving aside the deficiencies (and sexism) of thisdefinition, the point is that even the most minimalist interpretationof democracy affords the citizen an important, basic choice ofaccepting or refusing electoral candidates. Crucially, this choice isnot the same as "having a vote".
The Government has decided to introduce electronic voting in allconstituencies in Ireland for the next election. Under the system ofelectronic voting used in a limited number of constituencies in thelast election, the only options available to the citizen are (1) tovote to accept one or more candidates, or (2) not to vote at all.People eligible to vote in Irish elections do not have the democraticright to reject candidates.
The options available on the electronic ballot must, therefore, beexpanded to include "none of the above" so that Irish elections can begranted the most basic requirement of a democracy. It also means voterswould not forced to select "the best of a bad lot". Instead voterscould reject inadequate candidates, and, in the unlikely event that nocandidates achieve the minimum level of support for election, voterscould be afforded a second ballot. Ideally, better quality candidateswould put themselves forward in the second ballot. At the very least,the exercise of this option could act as a catalyst for change. -Yours, etc.,
Department of Political Science,
Trinity College,
Dublin 2.