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Objective
It is now possible
to hold worldwide elections for
a non-governmental World Assembly
that would represent people the
way the U.N. represents governments.
Even in the most remote areas
people can choose a local representative
who has access to telephone, cell
phone, or two-way radio. This
representative will give people
a direct way to express their
views and hear the views of others.
Such a World Assembly would immediately
have tremendous social and moral
authority, without requiring governments
to give up any power or even to
formally acknowledge its existence.
On issues where representatives
from the whole world reach a consensus
(such as ending slavery or biological
war-making capabilities), governments
will face strong pressure to cooperate.
On issues where there is a true
diversity, even the strongest
governments will be more cautious
in taking action.
Historic
Event
The
first world wide election will
be as historic as the introduction
of democracy. This will be the
first event that can involve every
person in the world, not just
governments or activists, in a
deliberate peaceful act. It will
provide a whole new dynamic, raising
people’s sights and expectations.
After this election the world
will not be the same. Each person
will have a way to speak out on
pressing issues and to hear about
others’ concerns. For people
in many countries, this will be
the first experience with a true
democratic process. Just the existence
of an elected World Assembly will
provide concrete confirmation
of the rise of democracy.
The effort to organize this election
will itself help to bring people
around the world into closer contact
and help spread the reach of the
internet.
Diversity
and Consensus
It
is exactly because of the diversity
in the world that this Assembly
is so important. It will bring
together people with different
beliefs (in religion, environment,
culture, economics, etc) and give
them a chance to speak and be
heard with no governmental intervention.
The Assembly will provide a forum
to discuss differences and generally
help people better understand
and learn to live with these differences.
In situations where such dialog
leads to a true broad agreement
on a common set of basic human
rights that should never be violated,
the Assembly will have enormous
"social" power to end
such violations and bring justice
to those whose rights are violated.
Non-Government
The
World Assembly will not be a World
Government. Forming a World Assembly
will not require convincing existing
governments to give up any formal
power, take any actions, pass
any laws or supply any funds.
Because this is a nongovernmental
effort and does not require any
government consent, the implementation
process can start now.
Activities
Every
person has the option to be involved
in any or all of the three main
activities of a democracy:
- Issues,
deliberations and resolutions
on an ongoing basis
- Elections
for world wide representatives
without geographic boundaries
- In
Person Annual Conventions to
encourage the human element
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