For democracy to function, it must enable citizens to participate meaningfully in shaping their own governance.
Author: Henry Tam
To those in government at all levels, politicians elected or hoping to be elected, officials appointed as decision makers or advisors, and more generally, citizens whose votes and voices can influence political choices – we appeal to you to support the swift and thorough implementation of the proposed actions outlined in this document to tackle the challenges facing our democracy.
Our democracy is being weakened. It is weakened by disinformation, by obstacles to ordinary citizens taking part, and by conditions that favour those with wealth and connections. There are many problems that should be tackled, such as poverty, energy insecurity, climate and ecological disruption, authoritarian threats, health problems, housing shortages, social isolation. But it is becoming more difficult for people wishing to serve the public interest to gain positions of power. We need a democracy that is thoughtful and respectful, and includes voices from across the spectrum, especially those often not heard. Instead, we have a democracy that feels angry, intolerant and fearful, hijacked by those who always seek to divide 'us' from 'them'.
Experience in the US has shown how power can end up in the hands of those who are prepared to undermine democratic governance. Democracy in the UK is also fragile. Often far fewer than half of the eligible citizens vote in elections. A large number of people – old and young – doubt if democratic politics can deliver the improvements they seek. Some are attracted by the rhetoric of authoritarian figures who openly despise inclusiveness and accountability, and subvert democracy by promoting disinformation and division.
There are those who think that so long as they can still win power on some occasion, they should use their time in office to deal with more ‘pressing’ matters than democratic reforms. What they overlook is that with democracy gravely weakened, they will find it increasingly difficult to get the support necessary to serve the interests of the public. Instead, political attention will keep being diverted to the vilification of scapegoats and the rolling out of measures that end up exacerbating the social, economic, and environmental problems we face. Unless people see how they can have a meaningful part to play in determining how these different challenges are addressed by those in power, they will increasingly turn their backs on the prevailing system of government, or worse, give their support to demagogues and extremists who crave power to further their own ends, regardless of the suffering caused to others.
Democracy SOS brings together the key actions that those in government can take to help save democracy from disengagement, misunderstanding, subversion, and other notable flaws.
Read and download the free pdf in your browser, link below.
The publisher is Citizen Network. Democracy SOS © Henry Tam 2025.
Citizen Democracy, England, Paper
