Democracy with a Queen

The UK recently had its general elections, arguably one of the most dramatic events this year. Prior to the campaigning starting in full swing I had no idea how the political system worked, however, the first TV debate did me in. So let me start by talking about this historic televised debate. Elections and campaigning in the UK bear little resemblance to that in the US. 2008 saw multiple televised debates of various formats between Obama and McCain. This is what America expects with an election. However, leaders in the UK have never agreed to televised debates until this year. The dwindling public faith in the political system called for leaders to stand up to questions from the public in a competitive format. The first debate not only put a new feel to the politics but also lead to the rise of the Lib Dem party and its charismatic leader, Nick Clegg. Irrespective of the party policies, Clegg had the power of connecting with the people and knowing how to debate well. The other leaders, David Cameron and Gordon Brown changed their campaign strategies after the public opinion polls put the Lib Dems briefly in the lead. The following weeks of campaigning and an unsure public lead to the first hung parliament in many years.

Unlike US politics, elections in the UK can only be won by a party if they secure a majority in the house. This implies that whichever party wins the elections immediately has the power to change rules at their will, there is no need to debate it in the house as happens in the US. This year however, no party won this majority and so the Conservative party, lead by Cameron, had to come into a coalition with the Lib Dems. What was surprising about this coalition was not the difference in party philosophies that was overcome to make this pact but the notion that the media and the public were surprised and intrigued by this ‘marriage.’ Over the past several days since the announcement of the coalition, not only has the media been obsessed with the new government, but people somehow believe that the coalition implies that Cameron and Clegg are now soul mates. Most questions that that new PM and his deputy are receiving are less to do with plans for the future and more focussed on the relationship between the parties, whether they will be arm in arm at meetings, and how close their offices will be! It is remarkable that the country has turned the political section into a tabloid.

Many countries run on the idea that all governments need to rule as a coalition, and this seems to be a reasonable way of working. Not only does it mean that there is some amount of competition for laws and rules, but also it means that no party can become arrogant on the campaign trail, as was the case for the 13 year long labour rule. Cameron and Clegg have a strong appreciation for this. They have both admitted to difficulties in the future for details of policies, but remain positive on the overall impact of the coalition. I myself am quite excited to follow the new government’s actions over the coming months. I believe that this new government was the best outcome for the country given its current crisis. Perhaps the pound will sneak its way back to 2 dollars a pound under a conservative government, and I will be richer by it.