Refining Democracy: Candidates for Election

June 25, 2010.
Refining Democracy: Candidates for Election.
By T.S. Khanna

The democratic systems do not have any mechanism in place to make sure that the elected officials are equal to the responsibilities of the office they get elected to. As a result, a large number of elected officials are incompetent to do the job.

In the modern times, various levels of education and training are essential for different elected positions. Educational and training requirements may be evolved through seminars and discussions of knowledgeable people.

Law may then require the appropriate education and training for a candidate’s eligibility for the position he/she seeks.

In addition to the education and training required to fit the job, some general requisites are suggested:
1. minimum age, 30 years; 2. Must have paid state and federal taxes and participated in elections for the preceding five years; 3. Must be a born citizen of the country; 4. Must be free of any conviction of felony, fraud, or violence; 5. Must have a clean credit report; 6. Must have sound mental health; 7. Must have performed at least two years of approved voluntary service; 8. Only one term for any position may be allowed;