The fixes could be cheap and easy, though.
Articles on Local democracy
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Online abuse designed to humiliate, coerce or silence women and minority politicians is taking its toll. With a general election next year, the rules have to change.
When voters know more about candidates and their policies, and when the issues are more relevant, local democracy thrives.
Low voter turnout in local elections is a problem worldwide. But evidence is growing that timing them with general elections can reverse the trend.
A brief look at the history of elected school boards in Canada shows how the powers and responsibilities of elected school board trustees have been eroded considerably.
Rather than get rid of regional councils, maybe the government should look at expanding their role to deliver core services – something common in many other countries.
New taxes are never popular. But unless central government gives local bodies the power to raise more than just rates, budgets will never cover costs.
Grassroots protests can change people’s lives for the better.
Referendums and citizens initiatives can be a popular way to push politicians to listen to the people – they can also be an exercise in propaganda.
Trevor Ngwane, an activist and academic, shows how structures that emerged in the struggle against apartheid continue in democratic South Africa, now in conflict with the ruling ANC.
The bigger parties which contest elections at all three levels would benefit the most – but voters might split their votes.
Randomly selecting citizens to take turns governing offers the promise of reinvigorating struggling democracies, making them more responsive to citizen needs and preferences.
After Brexit, we need inclusive conversations.
The proposed amalgamation of 40 NSW councils has generated heated opposition. While public resistance has now won out in several regional communities, it’s a different story in the city.
Good governance is the right thing to do, and boosts the legitimacy of decision-making. If moral chivalry doesn’t appeal, here are two more reasons: it’s cost-efficient and delivers better solutions.
Community media is ensuring society stays informed at all political levels.
A closer look at the recent local elections can help to shine a light on the future of the “Northern Powerhouse” and its impact on local democracy in the North of England.
Top contributors
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Honorary Research Associate, School of Built Environment, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
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Lecturer in Comparative Politics, UNSW
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Emeritus Professor of Innovation, University of Technology Sydney
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Chief Policy Fellow, University of Leeds
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Professor in Law, UNSW
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Senior lecturer, School of Journalism, Media, and Cultural Studies, Cardiff University
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Lecturer in Politics, De Montfort University
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Professor of Citizen Participation, University of East Anglia
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Professor of Politics, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney
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Professor of Political Sociology, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University
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Professor of Political Science, Texas Tech University
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Research Assistant of Southern Center for Inequality Studies, University of the Witwatersrand
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Distinguished Reserach Professor, Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, University of the Witwatersrand
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Professor of Sociology, University of Johannesburg
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Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago