Wither Democracy

Venezuelan dictator-wannabe, Hugo Chavez, lost a narrow victory this past weekend, in a photo-finish vote with numbers very reminiscent to the last Quebec referendum. One fact that seems to have escaped every pundit was that only 56% of the population turned out!!! What on earth would an election have to be about to get 99%+ of the population out. Those who didn't vote should be ashamed.

Sadly, I'm not at all convinced that the turnout would have been much different here in Canada, especially Vancouver. For instance, we currently have one of the worst mayors in our history, crime and drug abuse and homelessness is completely out of control. Yet will more then 35% of voters show up in the next election? I very much doubt it. :-(

Democracy is only effective if the majority of people participate in it. Imagine a baseball game where only 1/3 of each team were to play. It would die a quick death.