All the media comments about the Egyptian army’s ‘coup’ take for granted that the model of ‘democracy’ in the West is obviously right and the best.  We assume that a party with a parliamentary majority, no matter how slim, and regardless of whether it reflects a majority of the voters, can impose it’s will on the country.  This approach is actually an elected dictatorship, that legitimises ignoring the will and desires of minorities.

As we explore new forms of social contract, with more autonomy towards communities, one dimension must also be a new approach to democracy, that is much more oriented to consensus, and to autonomy within connection at all levels.  So the new vision is one where all are respected and given as much control over their own lives as possible, not one where an elected group can run roughshod over the rest.

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