Green Party conference showed democracy, but also its fragility

The Green Party is having its first conference since the major uptick in membership numbers in recent months. But the first day didn’t go smoothly. Because while it showed the party’s internal democracy in full swing, it also showed how easily cynical efforts can undermine it.

Green Party — The workings of a democratic process

First of all, there were reports of an attack on the party’s online voting system. This led to a suggestion of carrying out a ‘hands up’ voting strategy instead. But members quickly raised concerns about this because it could seriously affect the integrity of the voting. So the focus returned to resolving the online voting issues.

The amount of items on the agenda for the day already seemed very ambitious. But with the setbacks, the time available to get through all the agenda items shrank very quickly.

When the tech team had fixed the online voting system, members could promptly progress with votes. And one in particular sought to ensure there was sufficient democratic accountability for the Standing Orders Committee. While this caused another big delay, it seemed to be in the interest of fostering greater democracy.

Through all of this, meanwhile, equal numbers of members could speak for or against all decisions. This allowed people to justify themselves before members voted. That was the same in the case of several no-confidence votes in the chair (which also caused delays to the conference agenda).

In the end, members had a chance to raise and explain concerns, vote, and then keep moving forwards.

It would, however, have been good to see more of the massive membership present (only around 700-900 members attended). And it would also have been good if delays and time limits hadn’t prevented members from getting to vote on all motions in front of them.

The hindering of progress and the blocking of a key vote

It’s very clear that Green members present cared deeply about issues and wanted a fair hearing. And legitimate challenges always arise when interacting with other people, especially online. But it’s fair to think that some interventions were not in good faith.

The Zionism is Racism motion lingered over the day. And efforts inside and outside the party absolutely tried to delay or prevent a vote on it. The excessive use of no-confidence votes in particular seemed intent on pushing the motion back.

Whether or not the delays of the day sought to prevent the Zionism is Racism vote or not, they did. And while the conference followed democratic procedures, these also worked to prevent Green Party members from voting on the important motion.

Featured image via the GreenParty