Lessons from Dutch Citizen Forum Electoral System Novum Forum Slovenia, November 5 th 2009 Ivo Hartman
Political background -Smallest coalition party wants to reform Dutch electoral system - Two big coalition parties oppose this change but want to continue the coalition - Result of negotiations: Home minister, member of reform party, will ask forum of citizens if and how they want to change the electoral system
Recruitment members Forum - Random sample citizens receive invitation letter from minister citizens respond and visit regional meetings citizens are interested to take part in Forum - Out of selection based on sex, region and age 143 members of Forum drawn by lot.
Demands and rewards -8 central meetings of two days in weekends in luxury conference centre presided by attractive hostess of serious tv- talk shows - Some short meetings in region -Fee: 400 euro for every meeting attended + travel expenses
Program Agenda series of weekend meetings -Presentation project, purpose, procedures -Getting to know each other sessions -Lessons, lectures on varieties of electoral systems and their political consequences by well known political scientists -Debates in workshops on pro and cons of different electoral systems -Debates and decision making on conclusions -Formulating final recommendations to Home minister
Activities and facilities - 8 regional debates on electoral change open to all citizens, attended by members of Forum - internet debate on Forum website - group processes coached by professional social psychologist - standard political science book on electoral systems translated and published in Forum - edition - huge budget for publicity: billboards, advertisement, spots on radio and tv. - extended research on the project by political -, communication - and constitutional experts
Results Final report with recommendations presented December 2006 Forum rejected big changes of Dutch electoral system Recommended some minor adaptations
Lessons learnt 1. Citizen participation always part of political context 2. Commitment of authorities needed 3. Suitable policy subject: political issue in public opinion 4. Huge publicity budget not enough if subject is no issue 5. Suitable policy subject: citizens not to become experts 6. Participation project must not take long period of time 7. All participants (Forum members, organizers, facilitating staff, researchers) value project positively because of organisation and facilities