Page 34 - Enabling National Initiatives to Take Democracy Beyond Elections

32 A Project of the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) What is my role if I do this? 1You are not handing power to a ‘mob’. You will: Sign off on the question put to a diverse group of citizens. 2 Set some boundary conditions. a. e.g.“Thegovernmentisabletospend$3monthisissue.” b. e.g. “Anything within my portfolio I can act on. Anything 3 outside my portfolio I will pass on to them to secure a response.” Authorise and legitimise the project by owning the question and clearly showing people you intend to listen to a deep, informed discussion before taking your decision. 4 Take a final decision. You are not “handing over” a decision: you are owning a more inclusive process which is designed to address those big problems listed at the beginning of the chapter. As a representative you set the agenda and build a framework to listen before you take your decision. This document gives you the leading framework to help you achieve that. In reviewing the process design, we suggest elected representatives think about ‘What kind of process lets politicians truly trust the people?’