In every multi-party democractic country, there are always 'third' parties that offer all sorts of policy and government alternatives to the main two political parties (typically a centre left and center right party). They run the gamut from left wing, to centrist, to right wing. But many of them actually have the best policies...policies that actually WOULD make a difference and perhaps would reinvigorate interest and dynamism in the politics of a country, and help to reduce voter apathy and indifference. I wonder if all those people who could not be bothered voting 'because nothing changes anyway' might be better off voting for a third party instead?
But human beings like 'certainty' and despite our natural curiousity, in the end, when put under pressure and when high stakes are involved, most people go with 'what they know'...vote for one of 'big' parties. Budding politicians hungry for power have always known this, and therefore in major parties you will see people who can fit just about anywhere on the political map but 'leaning more' to the left or right to legitimise their membership. There are only a few who are principled enough to go with a 'third' party that fits with their political philosophy, and fight it out in the competition of ideas, accepting the difficulty of the endeavour ahead of them.
Voters are easily fooled and media image these days plays a larger role in 'Northern' countries than it did before. Put a passionate, good debater and orator, with hints of humour and a huffpuff smorgasbord of morality (has children, is married, goes to church, dresses conservatively, etc) and you have a shoe-in for your next president or prime minister - as long as he (and its typically a 'he') is with a major party that is. Notice that I make no mention of the person's experience, intelligence, agenda, interests, friends he keeps, previous jobs, philosophies, education,
and general competency for the job.
So here in this post, Ive tried to list a few of those 'third' parties that I think are worth a look at the next time you vote...wherever you happen to be. If you are reading this and know of third parties to add to this list, LET ME KNOW, as I'd like this list to grow. Right now it seems Ive got a lot of 'Green parties' listed. By the way, though these are 'lefty' parties, doesnt mean I necessarily support them. For example, I'd rather vote for the Greens in the UK than the Lib Dems, but they are far too small a party to be considered here. Only parties that have made it into the national legislature allowed here....
http://www.greens.org.nz
http://www.libdems.org.uk/
http://www.respectcoalition.org/
http://www.gp.org/
http://www.groenlinks.nl/
http://www.greens.org.au/
http://www.democrats.org.au/
http://www.sv.no/
http://www.rv.no/
http://www.ndp.ca/
http://sozialisten.de/sozialisten/aktuell/index.htm
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5 comments:
Hi
I have been nodding myself through your post, can only say that I could not agree more. The point about the media slowly taking over the elections in the northern countries is also very, very true. People don't even seem to realize how much influence the media have in electiontimes and how much and well they are at using it to their favor.
I see that you have listed SV, did you know that they now are in a coalition government with two other parties in Norway? Yes, we have a socialistic government at present! Well, it seems like its more "socialistic", but still, I think its very exciting.
Here is one tiny parties that has a lot of good fights on the agenda in Norway, and that nearly, nearly got into parliament last election.
www.rv.com.
I talked to a lot of people in Norway before the elections. A lot of them wanting to vote for RV, as they felt they were fighting for most of the things they found important. But as they only have around 2% of the votes, people that really want to go for them,alwaysy end up voting "tactically", as they say, they vote the closets and bigger party, SV.
I have alwaysy been a firm believer in fighting your cause no matter how small the chance you have, bacause how wouldl ANYTHING that was not popular-culture made for the mainstream come through if all of us just went for the safe choice. Ibelieve the good causes can only start one way - with that one person - with you!!!!
Remember that people!
Thank you for a good post
xxx
Aasa
http://www.rv.com is not the right URL...unless you are a big fan of big trucks in norway. hahaha Though I like the line on the site "the place where all your worries will fade away" !!!
But I've added the right link in my post now.
Thanks also for your nice comments!!
Ah, hahaha, yeah, you are right, although that cite did have something going on too, no
;)
Excellent post!! ...yup..very good indeed. Will let you know if I think any other third parties...cant think of any off the top of my head that you havent listed right now...
I agree with the first commentor....great post. Those third parties never get enough votes because of voter fear or mainstream medias tarnishing of them. its time that people moved out of their comfort zone and vote how they really believed.
I like your blog so far...good job..keep it up!
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