In order to make sure that the movement for change can continue to be effective we must take into account how political power can be exercised. Voting a political party into power once every few years can choose principles and set a general direction (even these are not always reliable).

The critical movements have shown that many aspects of public policy need to be changed -- it does not matter if precise directions and plans have not been agreed upon at this stage.

The way to control public policy over a period of years and longer is to use democracy for deciding on public issues and policies in addition to electing politicians. The instruments or tools of democracy needed for this job are well known. They include:

# The Proposal. Also known as citizens' proposition or citizens' initiative. If a proposal can gather the support of a large agreed number of voters (electors) then a debate about the proposal must be held in public and parliament (at local level, council). If the proposal is rejected by parliament then a ballot of all the people must be held to decide the matter in legally binding manner.

# Veto Referendum. A government law or policy can be blocked if a large number of voters call for a referendum to veto.

HOW DO WE MAKE SURE THAT THESE TOOLS OF DIRECT DEMOCRACY GET INTRODUCED?

The reality is that political power is currently monopolised by parliament and government. So we have to put MPs and candidates at future elections under pressure. Direct democracy campaigners must become active, especially in marginal constituencies, to make candidates for parliament promise, if elected, to introduce effective direct democracy.

STRATEGY FOR FUTURE ELECTIONS AND BY-ELECTIONS

Some ideas for action have been worked out, see at  http://www.iniref.org/ the following link:

Elections UK By-elections and General Election 2015? Help the Campaign

Your comments on all of this are welcome!