Our Morality Matters Group met in the afternoon on Wednesday 02 July 2025 to discuss the proposition “Democracy – has it served its purpose?”

We started with an introduction to the many “-cracies” and where and when Democracy had been established. Whilst Democracy is not a single entity, and is hard to define, we were able to welcome the familiar statement made by Winston Churchill, “Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”

We then had a brief comparison of the various forms of Democracy, including the Single Transferable Vote, Proportional Representation, and the First Past the Post. That led to consideration of coalitions in a democracy, and whether they benefit the electors or not. With that the floor was opened to the members to express their own insights and preferences.

The tentacles of democracy extend beyond the seat of government, and many institutions that form part of a democratic administration were cited. There is a trend in democracies for participation in elections to decline, and consideration was given to those countries where voting is obligatory. The positive potential of educating youngsters before they receive the vote was also discussed. The Swiss model of holding a referendum on important decisions had its supporters in the discussion.

The session ended with a clear view that a purpose had been served, but the future could become a concern. Even so, all the members at the event were able to leave as friends at the end of the session. Our next Morality Matters debate is scheduled for 06 August 2025 starting at 2pm.