Democracy? I don't think so...

There will be an election soon and no doubt political views in the far-away Shire will be as numerous as the sheep in the fields.

It is my understanding that in a 'Democracy', everyone has an equal right to stand as a Candidate for election and it is the People of voting age who decide election outcomes.

Well, er, yes... that is more or less the case here.

But oh, how difficult it is to become a Candidate in a General election. That is, unless you are a member of a 'registered political party'.

So, what's the problem?

Having the support of a large and [usually] wealthy political machine to help with doorstep canvassing, posting manifestos through most constituents' mailboxes, printing and postage costs, travel expenses and so on, is most helpful.

But there are areas where 'legality' creeps in to make sure the electoral playing field is not quite so level as it may first appear.

One of these concerns the Electoral Roll.

It is available to all election candidates and is a vital tool in any electoral campaign. It is available at any time, 'on demand' to anyone who is a candidate approved by a registered political party.

Great! So the Tories, Labour, Greens, Plaid, Lib-Dems, etc., can get ready to do battle months in advance; knowing who their constituents are is actually a great advantage.

But...

If you intend to stand as a true Independent, with no 'party affiliations', then:

You are entitled to receive a free copy of the register for the constituency in which you are standing from the moment that Parliament has been dissolved. [see Electoral Commission Guidelines]

A matter of weeks before the election date hardly gives much time to prepare mailings and other material from the Roll and is, in this cynical Cat's eyes, undoubtedly a tactic designed to assist 'registered political parties'.

Oh the joys of trying to join the 'Overseers' in what they call a 'Democracy'.

I don't think so...