and Modern Direct Democracy (DD)
It is the right of every citizen to take part directly in the conduct of public affairs
contact@wecollect.scot
This website was created to describe how Popular Sovereignty, often referred to as Direct Democracy (DD), can operate in tune with Scotland’s existing system of Parliamentary Sovereignty: The People & Regions control the Constitution & Legislation and Parliament & Government draft laws and run the country.
The tools which enable this partnership for the Common Good are known internationally as Political Rights and they’re already available for devolved matters.
We explain DD – recognised as an individual and inalienable Human Right by the UN in 1966 and ratified by the UK in 1976 – along with the democratic processes that make it work. We also explore how Decentralised Direct Democracy (DDD) could shape a new governance model for Scotland whereby, after a consensual process involving Government & Parliament and Regions & People, the latter ultimately have the last word.
Explore how the region of Strathclyde empowered the People to protect Scotland’s water from privatisation in the 1990s. This case study reveals how a region-wide referendum effectively challenged Westminster’s legislation, securing public ownership of water resources. It also raises important questions about the role of Decentralised Direct Democracy (DDD) in Scotland’s governance.
Read on to discover how the partnership between the People and regional authority triumphed over central government and how such a model can be introduced to ensure meaningful decentralisation throughout Scotland.
Please read our document:
‘Scottish Popular Sovereignty and Modern Direct Democracy‘ available Here.
The four members of Respect Scottish Sovereignty (RSS) have written to the First Minister requesting enactment of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR), ratified by the UK in 1976 and as provided for by the Scotland Act 1998. WeCollect.scot invites readers to add their own signature to the First Minister letter, which is posted on dearscotland.substack.com, by returning the e-mail contact form on this website.
This page highlights the importance of stable National Governance for effective Direct Democracy (DD). It contrasts Scotland’s conflictual political system with Switzerland’s consensus-based model, where the People supervise and control government and parliamentary decisions without political instability. The Swiss approach, emphasising consensus over conflict, offers insights for Scotland’s future governance discussions. Explore the Details >>
This section explains the significance of direct Political Rights, based on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Scotland has yet to incorporate in legislation – but which, in accordance with the Scotland Act 1998, it could do tomorrow. It discusses how the exclusion of these rights impacts the Scottish People, particularly the lack of direct mechanisms like Initiatives and Referendums. The following pages explore these tools and their relevance to Scotland’s future governance. Explore the details >>
This update highlights key developments in the Direct Democracy (DD) debate, focusing on issues such as the enactment of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Scottish Human Rights Commission’s recommendations, legislation like the currently pending Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill and the forthcoming Local Authority Bill “Democracy Matters.” It also discusses the need for Initiatives, Referendums and more public participation in shaping Scottish governance. Stay informed on these critical topics impacting Scotland’s political landscape. Explore the details >>
Wecollect.scot is supporting the Respect Scottish Sovereignty (RSS) project, which promotes Direct Democracy (DD) and Decentralised Direct Democracy (DDD) in Scotland. Through two main resources – DD Write and DD Vote – the project helps the public engage with MSPs, push for Referendums, and take action on key issues like the ICCPR and the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform Bill (VWJR). By offering tools for communication and secure voting, RSS aims to make Scottish Popular Sovereignty a reality. Explore the details >>
and Modern Direct Democracy (DD)
It is the right of every citizen to take part directly in the conduct of public affairs
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contact@wecollect.scot