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Is Parliament truly representative of the people?

Briana Morling

Parliament, just like any other institution, has its own strengths and weaknesses. One of the most important roles of parliament is to represent the people, which is a critical aspect of any democratic society. The question, "Is Parliament truly representative of the people?" is a complex one that requires a critical evaluation of how well parliament is performing its representative duties.

When we look at parliament, we see that it is made up of elected representatives that come from different political parties. These representatives come from different backgrounds, have different agendas, and have different priorities. Therefore, it is safe to say that parliament represents a diverse group of people with varying opinions and interests. However, does this mean that parliament truly represents the people it is supposed to?

The first point that one could raise is that the majority of parliament members are not from marginalized communities. It is undeniable fact that the most marginalized communities in a society are usually not represented in parliament in proportional numbers. This is because marginalized communities often do not have the same access to education, financial resources, and opportunities that more privileged communities have. As a result, parliament members often come from more affluent backgrounds and may not be able to fully understand and represent the experiences and needs of marginalized communities. This can lead to decisions being made that do not benefit marginalized communities or further marginalize them.

In addition to this, the political parties themselves predominantly choose who runs in the local elections. Therefore, the parties have a significant role in determining who represents the people. If the party is only interested in winning elections, they may not prioritize the voters' needs and wants. Furthermore, political parties naturally prioritize candidates with the most resources, which can exacerbate issues of access and equity in parliamentary representation.

Furthermore, parliament’s rules and regulations hold a significant impact on parliamentary representation. These rules and regulations may not fully grant opportunity to representative opinions. For instance, in some countries, only the majority passes laws. The minority group and diverse opinions don't have much chance to voice their opinion. In other countries, parliamentary sessions are held in ways that limit or hinder the opposition's voice, preventing minority opinions from exercising their lawful rights.

Finally, the constituents themselves have a responsibility to take part in the democratic process. They must engage in debates, express their opinions, and vote for candidates who can best represent their interests. Thus, if voters are disengaged and do not take part in the democratic process, it can lead to a lack of representation in parliament.

In conclusion, while parliament does represent a diverse group of people, it may not be fully representative of all members of society, especially marginalized communities. However, it is also important to note that parliamentary representation depends on more factors than just the institution itself. Political party processes, parliamentary rules, and individual constituents play vital roles in ensuring that a democratic system is fully representative and serves all its people's interests.