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Sophy Ridge, Sky News Presenter

Political journalists are having a field day. At a time when Parliament is usually slowing down ahead of the summer recess, a constant feed of news, leaks and gossip is fuelling the Westminster machine.

For members of the press, this is like chomping on a steak after months of starvation.

The pre-election Theresa May regime was the most controlled media environment that I can remember during 10 years as a Westminster journalist. Access was closely guarded by the Prime Minister's two territorial Chiefs of Staff and press officers were too frightened to step out of line.

While Theresa May was riding high in the polls, her Cabinet were muted and obedient. Success commands loyalty.

To get a sense of how much has changed, just look at this weekend's Sunday Times story about comments Chancellor Philip Hammond allegedly made in Cabinet about public sector workers being overpaid.

Usually what happens in Cabinet stays in Cabinet, but political editor Tim Shipman was told about the alleged remarks by five different sources. FIVE. Just let that sink in.

In my opinion, leaks get a bad rap and are actually a sign of a functioning democracy. Rather than policy being decided behind closed doors and only carefully filtered out to the public after being stripped of any controversy or nuance, it's much better for us to know the truth about what our elected representatives do and think.

As a result the Government losing its majority in last month's election is leading to a more open form of politics - and that's not the only reason the result might be good for democracy.

With the authority of No 10 and the Prime Minister diminished, this truly is a backbencher's parliament.

We have already seen concrete examples of lowly MPs shaping government policy, such as Labour's Stella Creasy on abortion access for women travelling from Northern Ireland.

Without the cushion of a comfortable majority, Theresa May was forced to make concessions or face losing a crucial parliamentary vote. Plans to axe free school meals and hold a vote on fox hunting have also been scrapped.

With Brexit looming, there will be many, many more battles to come with backbench MPs invigorated by their new importance.

The controlling forces of No 10 will always be wary of chaos.

But a Government forced to listen, compromise and consider other viewpoints - particularly when it is open to full media scrutiny - is a good thing for our democracy. We should welcome it.

Previously on Sky Views: Greg Milam - Why case of Charlie Gard resonates in US

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Sky Views: Leaks and chaos are good for democracy - Sky News

When judges handle these cases, they increasingly divide along party lines. Consider the litigation over North Carolinas law. A Republican-appointed federal judge upheld it, and then three Democratic-appointed judges struck down key parts. Before Mr. Trump appointed a conservative judge, Neil Gorsuch, to replace Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court, the short-handed court divided 4-4 along party lines on whether to stay the appeals court ruling. The court then denied review, but in an unusual statement Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. explained that the denial was on technical grounds, not on the merits. Taking this cue, North Carolina is already at work on a new voter ID law. There is every reason to believe that courts will continue dividing along party lines in these cases and that Republican-dominated courts are unlikely to save voters from new efforts to make it harder to register and to vote.

On top of these domestic problems, there is the external threat. According to a report by the F.B.I., the C.I.A. and the N.S.A., Russia engaged in a concerted effort to undermine the election process in 2016 by leaking stolen documents, hacking voting systems and disseminating fake news. Attempted Russian cyberattacks on voter databases were widespread, with hacking hitting systems in up to 39 states. According to a report in Time magazine, hackers successfully changed voter data in a county database in one state, although the database was corrected before the election.

By 2020, cyberattacks could try to alter or erase voter registration databases, bring down our power grids or transportation infrastructure, or do something else to interfere with actual voting on Election Day. The next hacks could include malicious, false information interspersed with accurate stolen files; public confidence in the fairness of our electoral process could decrease further, even if the hacks are unsuccessful, as incendiary and unsupported claims about voter fraud, cheating and altered vote totals spread via social media.

The courts cannot save us from any of this. Nor can we expect leadership from the executive branch, Congress or polarized state legislatures. The president has caused confidence in our election system to deteriorate with his outrageous claims about voter fraud and his Election Integrity commission. Mr. Trumps Justice Department has already made inquiries into whether states can do more to purge inactive voters from voter lists.

Meanwhile, House Republicans are moving to abolish the United States Election Assistance Commission, a bipartisan federal agency that serves as a clearinghouse for information about best voting practices and certifies the security of voting machines. Does that sound like a good idea right now?

Faced with this vacuum, nongovernmental organizations need to take the lead on fostering cooperation across various levels of government and among political parties. The efforts of the Presidential Commission on Election Administration (a bipartisan group President Barack Obama appointed to study problems with the 2012 elections), the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Bipartisan Policy Center and others show that this kind of work can be effective. Led by Pew, red as well as blue states have adopted online voter registration and voluntarily cooperated to clean voter rolls in a way that is careful enough to avoid inadvertent disenfranchisement.

The next urgent area of cooperation must be election cybersecurity. Faced with a serious, imminent threat, Democrats and Republicans should have every reason to work together. Unfortunately, Pew has announced plans to cease its work in election administration at this crucial time, and it is not clear who can step up to take its place.

The future is scary. Public confidence in the fairness of the election process is already largely driven by who wins and who loses. State and local election officials need to overcome partisanship and resistance in areas where they can cooperate, and we need to support organizations that foster that. It may not sound sexy, but our democracy is counting on them.

Richard L. Hasen is a professor of law and political science at the University of California, Irvine, and the author of The Voting Wars: From Florida 2000 to the Next Election Meltdown.

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A version of this op-ed appears in print on July 16, 2017, on Page SR4 of the New York edition with the headline: Dont Let Our Democracy Collapse.

Original post:
Don't Let Our Democracy Collapse - New York Times

DES MOINES A hopeful Bernie Sanders called on Iowans to join the political movement for a vibrant American democracy rather than succumb to the greed of the billionaire class.

Much of the Vermont independent senators 50-minute keynote address to more an 1,100 people at the annual convention of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement on Saturday in Des Moines echoed the themes of his campaign for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.

Let me thank all of you for your determination to revitalize American democracy, Sanders began.

Let me thank all of you for your efforts to create a government in America and state by state that represents all of the people and not just the 1 percent.

In many ways, not much has changed since that February night when he came within tenths of a percentage point from winning Iowas first-in-the-nation caucuses.

The fight for health care for all and to bring down the cost of prescription medicine, to lower student debt, to preserve family farms, to take on corporate agriculture, and to rein in the power of wealthy campaign donors and secretive super PACs continues, he said.

As the congressional debate on health care comes to a head, Sanders said the nation is at a pivotal moment.

If we dont get our act together, if people all over this country do not stand up, there is a real likelihood the trend toward oligarchy will only intensify, Sanders said.

The trend for having a handful for billionaire families with unlimited resources controlling our political process will only get worse. The trend toward a handful of conglomerates owning and controlling our economy will only get worse.

The challenge for citizen groups such as ICCI is to ensure that one vote dominates the political system, not billionaires buying elections, Sanders said.

Sanders devoted several minutes to Iowans who voted for Trump, who said he would stand up for the working class, take on the establishment and Wall Street, and that his administration would provide health care for all.

Im sorry to tell you Donald Trump lied, Sanders said.

Trump has brought more billionaires into his administration than any other president, Sanders said, and selected a chief economic adviser from Wall Street. Now the president is supporting the most anti-working-class legislation ever presented in modern history of this country a disastrous health care bill.

Sanders called on Iowas U.S. senators, both Republican, to oppose the GOP plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act with legislation that could jeopardize coverage of pre-existing medical conditions and cut Medicaid, which provides about two-thirds of the funding for people in nursing homes.

I say to Sen. Grassley and Sen. Ernst, please, please take a hard look at what this disastrous legislation will do to the people of Iowa and the people of America, he said. I beg them, please vote no.

As bad as things may appear at the moment Sanders, who did not address whether he will run for president in 2020, expressed hope for democracy and the future of the nation.

After campaigning in 48 states, including Iowa, where he did more than 100 events, Sanders is convinced there is an extraordinary level of beauty and decency, not just here in Iowa, but all over this country.

Of course, there are racists and sexists and homophobes you can see them on TV every night. But they are not the majority of the American people, he said. The majority are hardworking and concerned about their children and grandchildren.

I see the decency in our people, he said at the end of a question-and answer session, and our job is bringing our people together and not allowing ourselves to be divided up. To think big, not small. To ask why not? rather than simply listen to the billionaires who think we should cut Social Security and health care.

Thats why Im optimistic. Because we are a beautiful country with beautiful people.

Sanders will be in Iowa City to promote his book, Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution, at 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at Hancher Auditorium at the University of Iowa. Tickets are available through the Hancher Box Office.

Read more:
Sanders still hopeful for 'vibrant American democracy' - Mason City Globe Gazette

NEW DELHI: Reaching out to the Opposition on the eve of the monsoon session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed some of the concerns of various political parties and spoke out against cow vigilantes who indulge in violence in the name of cow protection and said state governments should take the strictest action in such matters.

Speaking at the all-party meeting convened by the government, the prime minister sought the support of the Opposition in smooth conduct of business in both the Houses. He asserted that all political parties stood united to ensure the nations safety and security.

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury had raised the issue of lynchings in various parts of the country during the meeting, while Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed concern over the situation in Kashmir.

Azad reiterated his charge that the government has closed all doors and windows and this was leading to political suffocation in Jammu and Kashmir. He asked the government to at least open a ventilator so that people could breathe easy.

Alluding to the corruption cases against RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his family members, Modi said legal action should be taken against corrupt leaders and gave a call to all parties for action. The PM also thanked all parties for their support to goods and services tax.

Reforms like preponing of budget session of Parliament by a month would lead to a balanced nature of capital expenditure profile in this financial year, he said. Already 30% of total expenditure and 49% expenditure in infrastructure sector has taken place before the monsoon has started, which is a huge achievement and would bring fiscal prudence in capital expenditure in future.

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Preserve democracy, ensure smooth session: PM to opposition - Economic Times

Head of PPP Media Cell

Party will not be over and, in fact, will remain in the saddle if the prime minister is pleased to accord favourable consideration to the Oppositions only demand put forward recently. Opposition Leader Syed Khursheed Shah, while addressing the joint press conference on behalf of the Opposition parties in Islamabad, has suggested the viable way out (resignation) to the prime minister to save the country from the probable horrendous aftermaths of the brewing political crisis. It will also ensure the continuity of the democratic system representing all the stakeholders and indeed win win situation. It is a fair demand under the circumstances to pre-empt ugly political turmoil that the country cannot withstand due to multiple challenges it is already confronted with. In case of inaction on his part, the resultant sharp political division -- wrought with dangers to democracy and indeed to the federation -- may not be averted. Unfortunately, the prime minister has decided to dig in heels and vowed not to resign no matter what. It means the stage is set for the long haul containing the potential of collective political redundancy during the unforeseeable future. This must not revisit Pakistans political horizon. The big political minds are expected to exhibit the spirit of statesmanship and stop well short of blundering into a disaster. The people of Pakistan are looking up to them. They must not be frustrated. They had enough of dictatorships and tyrannical rulers in the past those bequeathed nothing but inflicted numerous indignities and humiliations on the nation.

Democratic politics is politics of pluralism in essence. Insistence of imposition of self- righteousness is anathema to its spirit. In democracy and in its best democratic practices, the spirit of accommodation and tolerance are the underpinnings for its development on sustainable basis. It may be pointed out that the combined Opposition parties have convinced the PTI to climb down from its demand for immediate holding of elections. The PTI seemingly also agreed not to insist on the disqualification of host of Sharif family members and other stalwarts of the PML-N including the incumbent finance minister. This flexibility may be appreciated and reciprocated by the PML-N leadership in equal measure. The top leadership may review its decision and consider seriously reaching out to the Opposition parties to find a common ground to more forward positively and objectively. The misplaced concept of invincibility may give space to objectivity and rationality with a tinge of pragmatism.

Opposition leader Syed Khursheed Shah deserves kudos for rallying around the rest of the opposition parties on the stated position of the PPP to deal with the political crisis that had surfaced after the submission of the JIT report in the Supreme Court. The PPP had taken the principled stand opposing the holding of snap elections because the party wanted the incumbent assemblies to complete their constitutional tenure and elections should be held in 2018. The rest of the Opposition parties also deserve appreciation for demonstrating sense of immense responsibility in formulating the collective demand of the resignation of the prime minister and refrain from insisting on other demands. It may be recalled the PPPs leadership had already synchronized its stance before the meeting of Opposition parties on the same lines to ensure the continuity of democratic system as its only top most priority. It made sense because the incumbent prime minister had lost the locus standi after the joint investigation report of the (JIT) because the countrys chief executives constitutional office cannot bear the burden of the persona devoid of the moral and legal authority.

Unfortunately, the overt and covert hype created by the Muslim League-N ministers and leaders against the JIT was indicative of their belief of fighting the lost battle the Party is over, Their tirade against the members of JIT with lot of sound and fury signified nothing but their sheer trepidation anticipating the end of the road. The report submitted probing the allegations of money laundering trail, and the ownership of expensive London property, tax evasion and forgery by the family in particular seemed difficult to rebut in the face of evidences reportedly supported by forensic underpinnings. The loin had been caged in. It may be more dignified and befitting on his part if the writing on the wall is read correctly to face the consequences. He may watch and defend his case with grace in the court room instead of sitting in the Prime Minister House pacing back and forth.

Ironically, he is having the taste of his own medicine. The prime minister may recall his juggernaut in lawyers outfit when he filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the PPP government in Memogate scandal praying for the dismissal of the PPP government led by Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. His move, notwithstanding his written commitment not to endeavour to destabilise the incumbent government as enshrined in the Charter of Democracy (COD) signed in May 2006, was mind blowing and indeed betrayal. It was his sheer political opportunism. Now, he is in a closed alley. He has to face the emerging situation upfront with requisite courage keeping in view the bitter ground realities those cannot be glossed over by adding more smoke or defiance.

The present state of affairs is not tenable and it has to settle down either way, but may not be in favour of the prime minister. It calls upon the ruling political leadership in particular to take bold political move to deflect the grim political scenario in the offing. His stepping down and replacing with his own Party leader may not affect the continuity of the political system and the state affairs will remain normal. A futuristic and pro-active thinking now on his part may mitigate the degree of umbrage inflicted by Panama Papers. It may also whether the storm without hurting the edifice of democratic dispensation to the utter frustration of those who are sitting on the fence with vengeance to enter in the corridors of power by hook and crook. Make no mistake. PML-N top leaderships procrastination in taking the political initiative may create the space for those who otherwise do not see their prospects of grabbing the reign of the country in the face of nations consensus on democracy.

According to the majority of views and news in the media, JIT report is a clear-cut indictment on the prime minister and his children that cannot be wished away. The prime ministers moral authority has been bitterly bruised as a result, and it is extremely difficult for him to run the affairs of the state with his tarnished image. The other political forces of the country may also facilitate him in taking the right decision in the largest interest of the democracy and the country because the confrontation may draw the situation closer to repeating the chequered political history of the country.

They are supposed to be matured people after going through the bitter experiences in the past. The politicians should prove their worth as the master of knowing the art of possible. God forbid, their failure will be the failure of democracy, and the future of the country will be embroiled in deep trouble. In that grim case, they will also stand nowhere as the ground from beneath their feet may be cut off resultantly for the unforeseeable future.

The PPP will never compromise on democracy. It played a leading role in saving democracy from those who were desperately waiting for the Third Umpire during the sit-in politics to escort them to the corridors of power. PPP spearheaded the campaign to put cold water on their pernicious plans against democracy and the country. For PPP, democracy is everything. PPP is bound to play the role of saving democracy in case of dangers. Its unequivocal commitment to democracy --- stemming from the martyrdoms of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto including its workers -- is non-negotiable. PPP cannot afford to see the other side when dangers to democracy in various forms and manifestations are inching towards with tainted intentions. Its leadership is totally aware of the forces those tend to contemplate to drive from the rear and thus take the control of the driving seat. But, PPP is determined not only to resist and scuttle their perfidious designs but also expose their bare-knuckled world of politics.

Now, PPP considers that the stepping down of the prime minster is in the largest interest of the democracy. The PPP leadership has been urging the prime minister to lie low and nominate his substitute to get the air out of the sails of the anti-democratic forces those are active again to caste long shadow on the political future of the country and the federation. Those party leaders who have been advising the prime minister to hold his grounds no matter what may be loyal but they are surely not wise as they are paving the way to the political hell with good intentions. They are hostage of their poor judgment based on their state of denial of the currents and under-currents of the todays politics. Even, Javed Hashmi, his ardent well-wisher, has given the right advice at the right time urging the prime minister to step aside. He has also suggested couple of names of his possible successor. PML-N has comfortable majority in the House and retaining the Party government will not be problem at all. But, inordinate delay in moving the right direction may prove fatal for the future of democracy in this country.

The Party will be over then without a shred of doubt.

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The rest is here:
PPP to never compromise on democracy - The News International