Democracy in Jersey. The choice is all of ours, but is it?

With Jersey having just observed Democracy Week, perhaps it is pertinent to address the following: Is there an argument that we have in Jersey an erosion of democracy, with inevitable fiscal frivolities that would make a spendthrift blush? Can political parties find a place in Jersey's unique political landscape, one that has long cherished independence from formal party politics?

Democracy, for those who need a refresher, comes from the Greek words "demos", meaning people, and "kratos" meaning power; so democracy can be thought of as "power of the people. It is built on the notion that engaged citizens make for a healthier system. Unfortunately, it would appear Jersey as a collective appears to have dozed off during this class. Voter complacency and apathy have gripped the island like an overzealous octopus, wrapping their tentacles around any semblance of democratic fervour.

When islanders cannot be bothered to cast their ballots or there is apathy due to the system presented to them, the very essence of democracy crumbles. Accountability takes a nosedive, and politicians effectively do what they want, knowing that no one is watching or if they are, cannot do anything about it. It is like leaving a candy store unattended and expecting the sweets to stay on the shelves.

Jersey's aversion to political parties is an old tale, like an heirloom handed down through generations. The island has prided itself on its unique political culture, one where the party line is more of a squiggle.

But here's the point: perhaps in the face of rampant voter indifference, fiscal recklessness, and politicians who could moonlight as magicians making our hard earnt tax funds disappear, a little pragmatism wouldn't hurt.

Political parties, if handled with care, might just be the remedy Jersey needs. They could just offer for Jersey the opportunity to revive the spirit of political engagement while acting as a much-needed babysitter for profligate spenders. Maybe we should think of them as the stern aunt who ensures you finish your vegetables before you get to dessert.

Incumbent entrenchment, or the "old guard syndrome," has become an island pastime. But political parties have a knack for throwing a curveball into the mix. Fresh younger faces, talent and daring ideas could make Jersey’s political landscape less of a déjà vu marathon and more of a thrilling blockbuster. We could just get to a place where islanders have a positive view of how our collective island future will pan out, we could even develop a positive view of politicians.

Complacency is a conversation killer. Political parties could rev up the conversation by hosting debates and parish hall meetings. They could provide effective counter to policy decisions of those in power, they could effectively test and hold those in power to account. These forums could finally put fiscal responsibility and accountability back on the menu. Political parties could provide the platform for medium and long-term politics, in stark contrast to the short-termism that currently prevails.

But here's a crucial piece of the puzzle - attracting younger voters to the voting booth. To revive our democracy, we must recognise that the views of the vocal minority will always take precedence unless the silent majority, particularly the younger generation, steps up to be counted. Younger voters bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a willingness to hold politicians accountable.

Reactionists that cling to the status quo want to keep the comfy old chair of perceived democracy, but the uncomfortable truth is that what Jersey has at the moment may not really be a true democracy. Is it time for a change, a wake-up call, and a sincere effort to engage younger voters who can breathe new life into the democratic process?

As we reflect on Democracy Week, we should all consider whether the time has come for Jersey to re-evaluate its political landscape.

And speaking of shaking things up, why not borrow a page from the Australian playbook? Mandatory voting with a cheeky "None of the Above" option could be just the jolt needed to rouse the slumbering electorate. It's like insisting that everyone shows up at the party, even if they are just there to critique the hors d'oeuvres.

The current state of affairs in Jersey is far from ideal. Stagnation, gross overspending, inefficient public services, and a lack of a clear comprehensive roadmap for the island have become the norm. The much-anticipated hospital, still a dream on the drawing board, serves as a stark example of fiscal mismanagement. Politicians in and out of power over the last 15 or so years have allowed a spend of ￡250 million (to date) on not much more than topping up consultant’s pension funds and with not one politician held to account. That is a quarter of a billion pounds of our hard-earned tax money. Just think how that could have helped in so many other areas.

While the historical aversion to political parties might to some have its merits, we all have to ask ourselves: Is what we have at the moment working, and could formal political parties actually help us in these challenging times? Should we now seriously consider embracing party politics as a pragmatic and accountable response to our pressing issues, all the while recognising the urgent need to engage and empower younger voters.

History offers us all a valuable lesson. After the Second World War, Jersey embraced a pragmatic response to an island in turmoil by forming political parties. It was a recognition that in times of crisis, a group of people with a clear manifesto, a comprehensive plan, and the trust of the electorate was needed to get the job done.

Today, Jersey finds itself in a different kind of crisis, one of complacency, fiscal irresponsibility, and democratic erosion. However, just as in the past, it could be argued that a clear and coordinated approach by a political party with a clear manifesto (not a group of individuals with their own agendas) is now needed to address these challenges and get Jersey back on track.

The choice is all of ours, but is it?