HeLA Democracy

New Governance - The Way Forward

The present form of democracy in Heladiva is based on the old Westminster parliamentary system, introduced to the Island by the British during their colonial occupation. Since its introduction, this adversarial party-based system of democracy has on many occasions failed to deliver security, peace and prosperity to the people of our island nation. 

The Westminster system divides our people along party lines and ethnic lines, debilitating our capacity to see clearly that which is in the Nation's best interest. The Westminster system has failed to uphold the sovereignty of the indigenous Hela culture, its values and traditions. Furthermore, it has failed to provide self-governance for communities at a local level. The way forward then is to embrace and institute a new form of governance that can uphold the peace, provide security and deliver prosperity to all who live on the Island.

To this end, a novel form of democracy is proposed: The Hela System of Democracy. It was inspired by our traditional and truly democratic Hela institution: The Gam Sabawa (The Village Council). This novel form of democracy is arguably, the best the world has seen. It is also the best solution for upholding the sovereignty of the Hela culture at a national level and self-governance for all communities at a local level. It is the key to peace, security and prosperity for all people who live on our Island.

The Hela System of Democracy consists of 

Five fundamental institutions: 

1. The Community Council - The Local Legislature and Governance  (n= ~25)

2. The Regional Assembly  - The Regional Legislature and Governance  (n= 9)

3. The National Assembly  - The National Legislature and Governance (The Parliament)

4. The Supreme Council  - The Executive (The Cabinet)

5. The Sovereign  - The Head of State

The People directly elect candidates for the Community Councils, The Supreme Council and The Sovereign. Members of The Regional Assembly and The National Assembly are elected indirectly by the People and consist of elected representatives from the Community Councils. 

There is a harmony and balance in the system: a hierarchy of governance that allows for order and autonomy that allows for freedom. The Community Council is the local legislature responsible for local governance, The Regional Assembly is the regional legislature responsible for regional governance and The National Assembly is the national legislature responsible for national governance. The Supreme Council forms the executive and it can be likened to the 'Cabinet' of the Parliamentary system of democracy. The Sovereign is the Head of State with limited but important vested powers.

So, What is different?

Unlike the Parliamentary system however, there is no concept of 'governing party' or 'opposition party' in the Hela System of Democracy. The Hela system is not a divisive, adversarial system and does not adhere to the belief that there can only be two sides to an argument. In fact, the Hela system of Democracy embraces many diverse points of view.

An important distinction of the Hela System of Democracy is that elected representatives of the People debate and vote on issues according to their conscience; guided by the sacred Hela values of Humanity, Wisdom and Self-sufficiency. In this way, diverse points of view are embraced, discussed and debated. The views of the majority and minorities are expressed equally. In all discussions and debates, the paramount consideration is collectively: the common good, the principle of equity, Hela culture and traditions, Hela sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Heladiva.

Another important distinction of the Hela System of Democracy is that for each position held in the system, potential candidates are chosen based on merit having demonstrated knowledge, skills and values against the selection criteria stated in the constitution, and then elected by the people.

The Hela System of Democracy is economical and efficient. Big parliaments and governments are costly and inefficient. They take a long time to make decisions, they constantly create barriers for people and often they place restrictions on people violating their freedoms. In the Hela System of Democracy, with fewer politicians the speed of making decisions is quicker. There is more accountability when there are fewer decision makers. Also, with fewer politicians we can pay them more, attracting higher quality of candidates to lead the Nation.