Practicing Democracy on Kepler-186f

In ancient Athenian democracy, there were three main bodies of governance: the assembly, where eligible citizens discussed matters on meetings; the boule, where each of the city’s 10 tribes provided councilors to guide the assembly’s work; the courts, where laymen jurors hear cases and make a judgement.

500 light years from Earth lies a planet called Kepler-186f, the first known Earth-size planet with a suitable habitat. Yet, the highly intelligent living organisms on the planet remain undiscovered by astrologists.

Direct democracy is practiced on the planet. Meetings of the assembly are called several times a month to discuss on matters, such as new proposals drafted by the boule. However, the system is becoming ineffective due to strong opposition of the corrupted boule.

Not long ago, the boule made a proposal on reforming the political system. It suggested breaking down the boule into various departments responsible for different kinds of government work, such as finance, transport and tourism. In addition, a leader of the whole government, with veto power, was suggested. Candidates for this post were to be nominated by members of the boule before being elected by the general public.

Introducing a reform has never been easy. The assembly became rowdy once the proposal was brought up. Supporters argued that the reform could enhance the efficiency of the government, while opposition parties saw the reform merely as a means of the boule to extend its influence. Since then, the opposition force became uncooperative and filibustered many of the boule’s proposals. The schedule of the assembly was delayed and supporters grew annoyed with the opposition forces. Conflicts between opposing parties were common during demonstrations.

Eventually, after much turbulence, the time came for the assembly to deliberate the reform proposed by the boule. Seeing it as a fall back in democracy, the opposition force was determined to veto the proposal. Long speeches were made and it took three months for everyone to have their say.

The army, generally supportive of the boule, had just won a fighting and was heading back into town on the day the assembly voted for the reform. Supporters wanted to wait for the army to “exercise their civil rights”, but others saw their absence as abstaining.

It was decided that the voting would not be delayed. As a last resort, lots of supporters went out of the assembly hall, hoping to call off the meeting. However, there were just enough citizens in the assembly hall for the voting to continue, and the reform was banned with a ratio of 1 support to 80 against. Apparently, the supporters still have a lot to learn from their opponent’s filibusters.