The Challenges of Modern Democracy

Abstract

Elections, referenda and polls are very important processes and instruments for the smooth operation of a modern democracy. They provide means for transferring power from citizens to their representatives. They can also support the citizens’ trust and confidence in the government and democracy. Until recently election systems have mainly been the focus of attention of politicians and election officials. Nowadays democracy is facing a big problem concerning the low turnout in elections. One of the main reasons for low turnout is growing number of handicapped people and the fact that more people live far from a place of their residency. Fewer and fewer people participate in presidential, parliamentary, regional elections. Fewer and fewer voters even take part in one of the most common forms of direct democracy – referendum. The chance to improve democracy is seen by many in electoral voting, known as e-voting.direct democracy, elections, electronic voting, referendum, modern democracy