This four-part mini-series follows on from 2020’s series on the constitution and independence, taking a more in-depth look at the political and democratic elements.
Different organisations have come up with different criteria as to what makes a “healthy democracy”, so there’s no agreement on a single list1.
Taking it all together, it boils down to:
- Engaged Citizens – People can, and do, take part in shaping society around them. That could be through voting, forming new political parties or special interest groups and making sure their voice is heard so that changes they want to see can be made.
- Informed Citizens – The public forms opinions through accurate and trusted reporting from separate and distinct independent sources. People generally understand who is responsible for what and how government/politics works.
- Pluralism – Groups, parties and organisations representing different views can co-exist and take part in elections and public debate. No single group dominates decision-making and there’s healthy political competition. This could be interpreted as including things like proportional representation (where the number of seats reflects the share of the vote a party receives) and measures to ensure elected bodies reflect the society they’re elected by (i.e. gender balance).
- Accountability & Transparency – Elected representatives and government officials are scrutinised thoroughly and have to explain/justify their decisions and actions. Governments don’t withhold information that can otherwise be made public (i.e. through Freedom of Information laws).
- Free, fair and equal franchise and elections (Part III) – There are no barriers to someone voting other than registration. People cast their ballots in secret, while election campaigns are properly regulated with no voter interference or intimidation.
- Rule of law – Everyone is subject to the law (and/or constitution), including people who make the laws, people who enforce the laws (i.e. police, judges) and governments.
1. Wales Centre for Public Policy (October 2023). “Defining, Measuring, and Monitoring Democratic Health in Wales” (p9-11). Available at: https://www.wcpp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Defining-Measuring-and-Monitoring-Democratic-Health-in-Wales-REPORT.pdf
