Do not be sure that the lottery is only for those who aspire to become millionaires. There are countries that use the lottery method to govern the country. The European countries that have implemented this system of government are telling the world that giving the keys to the country to those outside the narrow confines of partisan politics will make democracy more meaningful. Half a century ago, M. said that democracy was beginning to decay. People like Govindan are starting to say. Partisan politics is capable of manipulating and rear-seat driving in the name of the people. Wherever there is money, be it libraries, co-operation, public planning, Kudumbasree – be it temples or bars – party politics has been sidelined.
The Rajya Sabha was initially conceived as an upper house to look into and correct political catastrophe. The Rajya Sabha was headed by politicians, academics, eminent artists, writers and thinkers. Gradually, it too fell into the category of partisan politics. It has become a bounty bestowed on those who lose elections and those who are unlikely to win. Shouldn’t citizens who are not under the yoke of party politics also be allowed to participate in governance? Is it not necessary to save personal influences, creativity and adventurous thoughts that are crushed in the midst of the chaos of organized movements?
It is from this way of thinking that European countries came up with the idea of a Permanent Citizens’ Council. You can be a member of the council without being a party member, without working in politics, without contesting elections, without chanting slogans. The method of direct lottery from the people.
No special qualifications are required to be selected in this way. Caste, religion, politics and educational qualifications do not matter. This system frees democracy from the prejudices of politics. The Great Debate, launched by French President Macron in 2018 to counter the anti-government uprising in France, led to such a plan to address public concerns. The Permanent Citizens’ Council has been in place in Paris since 2021. In addition to Paris, such committees are active in Belgium, Poland, and Australia to ensure popular participation in governance. These committees, which act as a bridge between the ruling class and the people, function similarly to the upper houses in a parliamentary democracy. Representation of the non-political community is also made available to the administration through this lottery.
This popular lottery may pave the way for alleviating the arrogance of party politics and trade unions.