For Terje's benefit, a true democracy requires every citizen to be responsible for deciding the State or Nations Government, it give the population of ownership, unknown in "so called" democratic Nations such as the USA where the saying "vote, it won't make any difference, but vote anyway" is an urban myth, and over time, people simply don't vote. George.W.Bush was elected with a voter turnout of 50% last time, up from the normal 30%, do you honestly believe that a government should be elected of 25% of the country plus 1. Leaving 75% unrepresented, is that your democtacy, if so heaven help us if you and your evil ideas ever make it to law.

Why - in the case presented by SHONGA, 75% of the citizens are happily represented: the 25.0001% who care plus the 50% who do not care: that leaves many more winners :-)

If those 50% are ordered to vote against their will, we have only 25% happily represented and meaningless poll-results because they were 100% diluted by random votes (perhaps favouring the candidate who happens to be on the top of the list).

Yuyutsu, you obviously did not read my post properly, Along with the rights in a democracy there are also responsibilities, one of which is to cast a vote. This may come as an obscure theory to some "rights and responsibilities" however is is never the less true. It is the responsibility of every eligable citizen to vote, some people like to opt out of their responsibilities, on this page. Bush represents the minority who elected him, that's all, people in the USA have been brainwashed into thinking their vote does not count, so they don't bother excersising it. For demoracy to flourish it needs to be accompanied by responsibility. I hope you can understand that Yuyutsu, I can't make it any simpler.

What is responsibility?

Someone for whom the election results might mean life or death will certainly vote - but what about the one for whom who wins the elections does not make any significant difference?

What is more responsible for such a person:

1. to cast a vote based on random/petty differences:
- "this candidate appears first on the list"
- "this candidate's name is more appealing"
- "this candidate's voice sounds better"
- "if I vote for her, I will end up with 50c/week more in my pocket"
- "I don't really know why, but my family has always voted for this party"

or

2. abstain from voting and allow the vote to be decided by those for whom the results really matter.

I believe that choice #2 is more responsible and kind to others: a "pass" vote is as valid, responsible and representing as a positive one.