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Summary of results from 15 October 2024

Here are the results from SaturdayTuesday 31st15 August's in-person andOctober online Massemblies. We will publish the results incorporating further phases of the Massembly as they occur.Massembly.

OverWe 450 people took part in our incredible Massembly at Upgrade Democracy, to discussdiscussed the question: "How can we take meaningful steps to Upgrade Democracy?"

447 participants voted, 43,153 votes were cast, 96.54 votes per participant on average, 137 commented, 453 comments submitted.

1. Citizens' Assemblies and Participatory Democracy

  • AdvocacyCitizens' Assemblies offer inclusive platforms for thedeliberation widespreadon useimportant ofissues, citizens'involving assembliesdiverse voices and opinions.
  • Citizens' Assemblies should be used at local, regional, and national levelslevels, (e.g.,with replacinglegally thebinding Housedecisions ofand Lords,integration settinginto upparliamentary processes.
  • These assemblies are tools for long-termrebuilding issues,trust startingin atdemocracy theby local level to build trust).
  • Emphasis on participatory budgeting and decision-making processes that involveinvolving ordinary citizens.
    • citizens
  • Supportin for creating spaces and opportunities for grassroots democratic participation, including community assemblies and participatory budgeting.decision-making.

2. CivicEducation andfor PoliticalDemocratic EducationParticipation

  • The need for betterCivic and earlierpolitical civiceducation education,should startingbegin from primary school,early to empowerdevelop youngresponsible, peopleengaged citizens who understand democracy and encourage political engagement.governance.
  • Incorporation of politicalSchools and ecologicaleducational education,institutions includingshould rightsimplement ofassemblies nature,and participatory budgeting to createfoster ademocratic culture of informed and active citizenship.practices.
  • PromotingMedia aliteracy culture of democracy throughand experiential learning inare schoolskey to preparing future generations to resist misinformation and communityparticipate involvement.effectively.

3. AccountabilityReducing Corporate and TransparencyPrivate in PoliticsInfluence

  • CallsCorporate forlobbyists, effectivepolitical mechanismsdonors, and mainstream media often wield disproportionate power, distorting democracy.
  • Regulations are needed to holdlimit electeddonations, representatives accountable, ensuringincrease transparency in decision-makinglobbying, and reducingprevent theprivate influenceinterests offrom lobbyistsinfluencing andpublic vested interests.policy.
  • ProposalsFair formedia jobregulation, descriptionsincluding for MPs, declarations of outside employment,accountability and transparency in funding and lobbying.
  • Introduction of independent bodies for fact-checking andmechanisms, monitoringis disinformation.crucial to protect the integrity of democracy.

4. PoliticalLong-term ReformThinking and RepresentationFuture Generations

  • CriticismDecision-making ofshould the current political system as serving a minority elite, with proposals for reforms to make it more representative and fair (e.g., replacing the House of Lords, limiting political donations).
  • Support for fair and transparent government funding of political parties to reduce the influence of private and corporate interests.
  • Encouraging inclusivity and diversity in political processes, ensuring that all voices, including marginalized groups, are heard and represented.

5. Environmental Protection and Rights of Nature

6. Building Trust and Confidence in Democracy

  • Emphasis on rebuilding public trust in the political system through inclusive, transparent, and participatory processes.
  • Encouragement of civic engagement and community involvement as a means to foster trust and counter populist movements.
  • The role of local projects and assemblies in building understanding and confidence in democracy.

7. Long-term and Future-focused Governance

  • Proposals for creating positions like a Commissioner for Future Generations to ensure policies are assessed for theirprioritise long-term impacts.
    • impacts,
  • Callstaking forinto policies and governance structures that consideraccount the well-being of future generations and theenvironmental planet.sustainability.
  • UseLegal frameworks should recognize the rights of frameworksnature, likecriminalise doughnutecocide, economicsand tointegrate environmental protection into democratic processes.
  • A Future Generations Commission or Commissioner should assess policypolicies decisions andfor their impact on planetarythe boundaries.unborn and natural ecosystems.

5. Transparency and Accountability in Governance

  • Transparent decision-making processes and public accountability are essential for restoring trust in politics.
  • Governments should publicly record expert advice and decisions, ensuring that citizens understand the reasoning behind policies.
  • Transparency in political funding and lobbying is necessary to reduce undue influence and promote fair, evidence-based decisions.

6. Inclusivity and Diversity in Decision-Making

  • Democracy should be inclusive, promoting representation of marginalised groups and fostering gender equality and diverse community participation.
  • Grassroots initiatives, such as participatory budgeting and local assemblies, help empower underrepresented voices in the political process.
  • Special provisions should be made to include non-voters (e.g., children and future generations) in decision-making.

7. Reforming Democratic Structures

  • The structure of political institutions, such as the House of Lords and electoral processes, needs reform to better represent citizens.
  • Deliberative and participatory processes, such as Citizens' Assemblies, should replace outdated and hierarchical systems.
  • Introducing non-oppositional, collaborative decision-making spaces could enhance democratic functionality and reduce polarisation.
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