Affiliations: [a] Professor Emeritus of Economics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, U.S.A. | [b] Guest Professor at University of Louvain-la-Neuve, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
Abstract: The multiplication of street demonstrations and violence testify to an increasing dissatisfaction of the public with traditional forms of democratic representation and parliamentary opposition. Partisan candidates are often personally unknown to their thousands of electors. Inevitably, they tend to raise emotions by stressing divisive issues and making excessive promises – soon to be disappointed – rather than presenting realistic programs for constructive action. Under majority voting, nearly half of the electors may not be represented in Parliament. Under proportional representation, the effective choice of candidates is determined by the party machines. A totally novel system of ‘Affinity groups representation’ might alleviate the shortcomings of direct democracy, especially in local assemblies. Any group of 200 voters, knowing each other and sharing common interest, would elect a representative to their town council. The system could be extended nation-wide through a two-tier voting: group spokesmen being elected nation-wide – irrespective of location – and designating their own representatives in Parliament. All interested voters would thus be represented by people of their own choice and able to maintain effective contacts with them.
