When an equation is drawn between politics and democracy, society loses vital mechanisms that protect against the concentration of power and ensure that democracy belongs to the people, not the politicians.
Read in Aftenposten: Politicians pose the greatest threat to democracy
In Norway, democracy is drowning in the growing dominance of politicians. As a result, the focus of democracy is too often placed on politicians and the inner circles of political parties, while important democratic elements outside politics are overlooked, including citizens’ right to direct democracy. The UN’s normative democratic guidance underscores this.
In a well-functioning democracy, the people hold power both directly and through elected representatives. However, democracy also encompasses much more than the political dimension alone. It includes civil rights, the rule of law, freedom of expression, participation in civil society, and institutions that operate independently of political influence, such as the courts and the media.
Read also: Personal voting for the Storting is now only a theoretical possibility
When politics takes over too much of democracy, politicians and their decision-making processes gain disproportionate power. This becomes especially clear when looking at recent legislation such as the new Electoral Act, where political parties have given themselves full control over personal selection. This development strengthens the power of small circles within political organizations, weakens democratic participation, and reduces the people’s direct influence. The democratic balance is under threat.
| Element | Demokrati | Politikk |
|---|---|---|
| Borgerrettigheter | ✓ | |
| Ytringsfrihet | ✓ | |
| Valg | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rettssikkerhet | ✓ | |
| Medvirkning i lokalsamfunnet | ✓ | |
| Politisk partimedlemskap | ✓ | |
| Institusjoner som media | ✓ | |
| Sivilsamfunn og frivillige organisasjoner | ✓ | |
| Partiprogram og politiske løfter | ✓ | |
| Lover og forskrifter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kontroll med personvalg (ny valglov) | ✓ | |
| Styring av offentlige ressurser | ✓ | ✓ |
Christian Sømme er Oagals redaktør og demokratiaktivist. Overalt i Norge og internasjonalt møter han mennesker som ikke kan assosiere seg med og føler maktesløshet overfor beslutningene til politikere, offentlig administrasjon og domstoler. Han har etablert Oagal som en uavhengig mediekanal for å dekke disse problemstillingene, oppsummert som «reelt demokrati». Sømme har vært tillitsmann, by- og stedsutviklingsaktivist i en mannsalder, og demokratiaktivist som Medvirkningsombudet (selvutnevnt) fra 2018 og med Oagal fra 2024. (Foto: Thomas Eckhoff)
0 Comments