“No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Winston Churchill delivered these words during a speech to the House of Commons in 1947. About 70 years later and those words remain relevant today.
We complain, judge, critique and demand many things of our politicians. We have the power to let them know what we like and don’t like every four years. We demonstrate this through the polls.
In between elections we have the right to protest, petition and call for the resignation of politicians. We do so without fear of persecution or prosecution – unlike some other countries around the world.
Our political leaders also afford the same rights.
This was demonstrated on Tuesday night at The Examiner’s exclusive Premier Debate.
The debate was designed to give voters a chance to hear the details on key issues for our region and state from the two people who can be our premier for the next four years.
Democracy extends to politicians. They too have the right to explain their policies and decisions to the public.
For democracy to work both voters and politicians must be heard.
As the Fourth Estate, the media plays an essential role in upholding democracy.
Like those casting a vote and those putting their hand up to run our state, we value our role in elections and the like.
The Examiner was proud to give these voices – both from the public and the politicians – a platform via the debate.
Readers had the opportunity to ask questions, and other issues covered were based on topics discussed via letters to the editor or our online comments.
At the debate, which was supported by the Launceston Chamber of Commerce, both party leaders demonstrated a passion for Tasmania. This is what we want in a leader.
Some of the commitments share common grounds and other policies are quite vast in differences. It’s going to be up to the voters to decide what they value most when they take to the polls on March 3.
Hopefully this debate and The Examiner’s ongoing election coverage will help you to make an informed decision when you exercise your important role as part of the democratic process.