Yes, majority rule is the default mechanism (sometimes complemented with super-majority requirements in key decisions like this).

Are there alternatives to this? In principle also ratings could be used somewhere to make the decision (if they would just work in practice), and other methods that are able to elect some consensus alternative even when there is a majority favouring some other alternative (tricky). In practice, majority rules.

In addition to this people in good positions in the existing system typically fight against (or don't eagerly promote) any change that might change their status to something worse. Election methods are in the very core of this process from the point of view of parties and representatives. That is why improvements, even clear and sensible ones, are seldom effectively promoted and reach majority support.

I tend to trust in open discussions and especially clear formulation of the alternative options for the future (e.g. by the EM people if not others). Also activism and movements outside the official political structure may impact the process. In principle the jointly agreed political structure should be enough to make things happen, but sometimes they need some "help to proceed". (Also media, the scientific process and books and opinions of respected citizens may be considered to be parts of the established process.)

Juho



On Oct 31, 2009, at 7:26 PM, Jonathan Lundell wrote:

On Oct 31, 2009, at 10:25 AM, Juho wrote:

(PR makes sense in general but I wouldn't deny people the right to achieve the political balance using two-party systems if they so want.)

How would this decision be made? Majority rule?

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