Is it time for a general election in the UK?
If you did this lesson in class, you would have discussed the BIG QUESTION for ‘UK politics'
.
This topic’s BIG QUESTION is:
Leave a comment below to let us know what you think and why.
It would also be great to hear about any interesting points that you heard in your classroom discussions.
As always, don't forget to read what other people think. There are students on the Hub from all over the world – and with such different perspectives, you might have very different opinions.
Comments (32)
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champion_camel | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda 09 Nov 2022
Is it time for a general election in the UK?
Yes, it is time for a general election in the UK...the current prime minister of the UK is Rishi Sunak who apparently won the contest to become prime minister without making a single speech about policy and has been flagged for backing the independence of the Bank of England. And I think the UK needs a leader who's going to deal with any circumstances including the crisis in public finances, political infighting and to be honest the UK needs a leader that's going to unite the country as well as place economic stability.
Hi Champion_Camel - you mention that Rishi Sunak campaigned to maintain the independence of the Bank of England. Do you know what Liz Truss wanted to do? Why was Rishi concerned about an increased government role? How would this impact your views on whether he is a suitable candidate for prime minister?
excited_raisin | Shohour Public High School | Lebanon
champion_camel's comment
17 Nov 2022
I somehow disagree with you @champion_camel, because i think that why we always blame the prime ministers? I believe that it's the job of all sectors of the government. As the inflation crisis is skyrocketing in ALL countries, firstly due to the Ukranian-Russian conflict, so i don't think that such a problem can be curbed rapidly as it covers the world's population. So we may give the prime ministers some more time to prove their actions, or give them an alarm. But replacing would not always be a choice, since the potential Sunak has now the next minister will also have, well each one have a special way in coping with the problems but for that he was selected to be a minister i don't think he was chosen randomly.
idealistic_song | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda 09 Nov 2022
In my opinion, I know that democracy is the best decision but I think that Rishi Sunak who was appointed to be the Prime Minister should first be given a chance to rule as a prime minister to see whether he can do a lot for the country or make some developments. But if he fails to manage that post then they can hold the general elections but for now I say that it is not yet time for a general election in the UK.
Hi Idealistic_Song - it's good to hear support for democracy. Could you say more about why you think Rishi's appointment was not in line with principles of democracy? Is it possible to say that it was democratic?
idealistic_song | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
Alice @ Clifford Chance's comment
11 Nov 2022
I don't think it is not democratic at all to just pick a prime minister for the country if the people/public are not involved in the decision. They are supposed to hold general campaigns so that the people can vote for the leader that they want because in even in schools they encourage democracy because children are given a chance to pick their own leaders. So it is time for a general election in UK.
Rishi Sunak was not appointed to be Prime Minister, but he got the job automatically because he was chosen to be the leader of the Conservative Party . Do you think this selection process is undemocratic? How do you think it should be done?
idealistic_song | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
Marie @ Clifford Chance's comment
30 Nov 2022
Yes this process is undemocratic because democracy is letting people choose their own leaders and Rishi Sunak was chosen to be the prime minister of UK without the concern of the people. If think the proper process to go through would first officially announce for the vacancy of the post so that people can apply for the post in the respective way, then after the candidates that have applied go through screening then those that have gone through can start their general campaigns to convince the people to vote for them. Then after the Electoral Committee organizes the electoral elections so that everyone votes for the person they think is fit to have that post. And lastly they announce the results from the elections to find out the new prime Minister then the swearing in can be organized later on. This is according to my country Uganda I don't how other nations do it but I think it is similar.
Hi! I agree I think democracy is the best!
If Rishi should be given a chance, should anyone just be given a chance? what qualities do you think a good leader should have?
Keep up the great contributions @idealistic_song!
idealistic_song | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
Dilara @ Clifford Chance's comment
30 Nov 2022
Not just anyone should be given a chance to be a leader because they are qualities a person should have to be a good leader;
1. A good leader should be problem solving. A country needs a leader who will be able to handle and solve all the problems that will be brought up to him.
2. A good leader should have the aspect of integrity whereby he is honest, trustworthy, organized and is not corrupt.
3. A good leader should be creative and innovative whereby he will be able to come up with many different ideas to develop the country and to handle most situations in the country.
4. A good leader should be communicative and confident. He or she should be able to communicate to his people without fear or without being shy this will help the people have more faith in him since he is able to speak to them directly.
5. A good leader should be authentic. He or she should be who they say they are and they should not pretend to be what they aren't.
6. A good leader should be exemplary. He or she should set an example to the rest. This is by following the rules and laws that he or she has set for the country and this will motivate people to do the right thing.
7. A good leader should be empathetic. He or she should care for all the people in the country and be able to help those in need not like some leaders in some nations that practice tribalism where they only favor people from their tribes.
8. A good leader should also have the aspect of decision making. He also should be able to make decisions that will lead to the development of the country and of the people in the country.
Those are just some of the qualities that I think a person should have to be given a chance to rule a country or to be a leader.
Hi idealistic_song, you have mentioned that Rishi Sunak should be given the chance to rule as Prime Minister, can you give an example on what Rishi should start working on first to avoid failure?
idealistic_song | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
Ramona @ PA's comment
20 Nov 2022
Rushi should work to see that he tries to win the people over by solving most of the problems that were pending when the former Prime Minister resigned so that when he gets the support of the people it will make him feel in a way that he wouldn't want to disappoint them so he will avoid failure in every possible way.
majestic_boysenberry | Beit Hanoun Prep Girls A School | Occupied Palestinian Territory
idealistic_song's comment
08 Dec 2022
I agree because Because he must be tested before he is assigned a task of such responsibility. For example, a teacher does not become a teacher out of thin air, but rather supervises him Supervisors and evaluate him if he is qualified for that or not, and he remains followed by the supervisors throughout his teaching period. Thus, the head of state, and perhaps more than that, must be a conscious, sane person with experience and the amount of responsibility that will fall on his shoulders
daring_cherry | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda 09 Nov 2022
Is it time for a general election in the UK?
Given the political instability in UK whereby Liz Truss even had to resign so fast,i think the people of the UK are puzzled and need explanations about all this.As a person who believes in democracy of all,i would say its time for the people to choose their own leaders so as they could put their personal opinions to practice.A general election would preety much some it up cause this way the people would be able to make political dicisions to drive their country forward unlike a monarch where everything and all power lies in the hands of a few.
Hi Daring_Cherry - in the UK, unlike other countries, we do not vote for the prime minister directly. Each local area votes for a member of parliament (called an MP). If the majority of MPs belong to a political party, the leader of that party is appointed as prime minister (or PM). If there is no political party with a majority of MPs in parliament, the political parties see if they can work together to form a "coalition" government (i.e. a government of more than one political party). How does the system work in Uganda?
daring_cherry | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
Alice @ Clifford Chance's comment
11 Nov 2022
In Uganda,the prime minister is appointed by the president and our current prime minister Robinah Nabbanja since 21 June 2021.In Uganda, we conduct a general election where leaders are choosen through elections by the people of that constituency.The leaders that win the election represent their people in the parliament.So basically,democracy is practiced except for the hinders forexample corruption among those in power.
This topic is focussing in UK politics. With what you know about Ugandan democracy, what do you think should happen in the UK now? Is it time for a general election?
daring_cherry | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
's comment
16 Nov 2022
A multi party system should be introduced where qualified citizens form political parties and take part in general elections and people are allowed to choose leaders of their choice that they think will advocate for their interest.With the instability in UK,such a system should be employed and power be put in the hands of the people.May such a resolution could brings people's hearts to rest
idealistic_song | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
's comment
06 Dec 2022
In Uganda, the prime minister is also just appointed by the president but I don't think it is fair and democratic at all. I think what should happen in UK is that the electoral commission carry out general elections so that people can vote for the person they think would make a good prime minister and even though it is a long process needs a lot money to prepare it will be worth it because a country without democracy is actually just like an abandoned island where people used to be taken to exile those days because there you don't choose who should lead you.
best_groundhog | Shouka Prep Girls School | Occupied Palestinian Territory 10 Nov 2022
It is very necessary to resort to general elections, to present the candidates with their plans to face the challenges and to choose the best candidates to help the body of the United Kingdom from challenges and conditions that are almost like a disease that is ravaging it. Elections are the medicine that heals the country from its economic, political and even social setbacks.. Elections first
digital_seal | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
best_groundhog's comment
10 Nov 2022
I would like to tell you that not all elections in different countries are the medicine that heal the country. First of all, elections in some countries are the cry's and suffers of some countries for example my country we had elections that had brought suffers and death to some people.
Can you explain what went wrong, digital_seal?
joyous_guitar | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda 10 Nov 2022
First and foremost I feel like the current Prime Minister should be given a chance and sometime to rule in case he made any mistake he can correct it and he might govern the UK well. Plus everyone should be given a chance to do something they were chosen for. So until he messes up big time I feel like there shouldn't be a general election until then.
Hi Joyous_Guitar - you suggest that Rishi should be allowed a chance to be prime minister until he "messes up big time". What do you mean by that? Who should decide when he has made sufficient mistakes?
joyous_guitar | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
Alice @ Clifford Chance's comment
11 Nov 2022
I'd say that the general public of the UK would be the ones to decide when he has made sufficient mistakes because they are the ones who follow his guidance and if the guidance is bad the country will fall into jeopardy.
And what I mean by "messes up big time" like for example if he makes a poor decision that is in relation to the economy or medical care it can end up causing havoc in the UK.
That's a good point, joyous_guitar. Why do you think people have been so critical of Rishi Sunak even though he has only just started in the job of PM?
joyous_guitar | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
Marie @ Clifford Chance's comment
11 Nov 2022
I would say people are so critical of Rishi Sunak because first of all they never had any elections to ensure that he is the one that the public actually wants to rule. Secondly he never made any sort of speech or pep talk to ensure the public of what he is going to or if what he is going to do is the right thing for the UK.
idealistic_song | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
Marie @ Clifford Chance's comment
11 Nov 2022
It's obvious because the people weren't involved in the decision to make him the prime minister so democracy is not being applied there that's why people have been so critical of Rishi Sunak. UK is no nation without democracy.
What would be a better way to do it in your opinion, idealistic_song?
idealistic_song | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
Marie @ Clifford Chance's comment
06 Dec 2022
The best way that UK can do it is by carrying out general elections and takes a long process. They first have to let people apply for the post and after they are done applying the electoral committee sits down and starts the screening where they see which which applicants have the requirements and the potential to lead the country as a prime minister. Then after that they open up the general campaigns where they will share with the people of the country the policies they will introduce in the country and how they will develop the it and the people in it. Then the successful applicants will be able to convince the people to vote for them. After this they finally organize the general elections in the country so that people can vote for their prw minister then after they organize the swearing in ceremony for the new prime minister where he or she will take an oath. And am sure this is how UK can show the people around the world that they promote democracy and not dictatorship.
digital_pigeon | Shouka Prep Girls School | Occupied Palestinian Territory 11 Nov 2022
Yes, it is time for elections because I notice that everyone does what they like after Queen Elizabeth, Rishi Sunak is a very big mess in the United Kingdom of Britain and must be replaced
Can you give evidence for your claims?
Hi digital_pigeon!
Have you got any ideas on who may be a good replacement? if so, why?
Hi digital_pigeon!
Can you please give a couple of examples why do you think Queen Elizabeth was so important to British politics? and why do you think her death changed the view on politics in the UK?
imaginative_badger | Lyons Hall Primary School A | United Kingdom 11 Nov 2022
i think we should be able to vote for a prime minister i personally want boris back rishi sunak is a good man but i feel like we should all be able to vote liz truss 45 days thats all i just dont want rishi sunak to be like liz thats all i just want boris back as the prime minister for the UK do you think we should be able to vote?
What is it about Boris Johnson that you think makes him a good leader?
imaginative_badger | Lyons Hall Primary School A | United Kingdom
Tiff @ Topical Talk's comment
12 Nov 2022
Boris was amazing but after he left i dont know
Can you say why you think "Boris was amazing"? Why might others disagree with that?
free_snail | Beit Hanoun Prep Girls A School | Occupied Palestinian Territory
imaginative_badger's comment
15 Nov 2022
I liked your point of view, but why do you want the ex-president back? You say that Rishi Sunak is a good person, but you want the return of the former president, but from my point of view, we have not yet seen how good and cruel Rishi Sunak is in order to judge him. We must first understand all his plans, his vision of society and the way he solves problems, not Re-president is the one who resigned himself
giving_mood | Shouka Prep Girls School | Occupied Palestinian Territory 11 Nov 2022
Yes, the time for elections has come, because the current situation in the United Kingdom needs administrative organization and also saving costs, and also because there are many creative people who deserve to enter these elections, and also at this time we need a lot of changes that benefit us, and because in this period there were a lot of problems between Society, institutions and a lot of that, so elections must take place at this time in order for the state to be organized
That's a good point, giving_mood. What do you think are the most serious problems in society that politicians should try to tackle first?
giving_mood | Shouka Prep Girls School | Occupied Palestinian Territory
Marie @ Clifford Chance's comment
12 Nov 2022
There are many problems facing society, such as the lack of food, the lack of job opportunities, and the existence of clear areas of disagreement about state aid, fishing, and workers' rights. Therefore, these problems must be resolved first.
idealistic_song | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
Marie @ Clifford Chance's comment
10 Dec 2022
The problems that politicians should try to tackle first of all would be the rates of illiteracy in the country, they can start building schools so that every child is educated because many children don't go to school because they lack money for school fees. Politicians should also try to create more jobs for the people because many people in the country lack jobs and they can't provide for their families the basic needs. The government can also try hard to eradicate poverty by donating maybe a small amount of money to some of the people who are poor that they can't provide for themselves food so that they can be able to start up small business that they will earn a living from. Politicians should also improve on the infrastructure in the country and this will attract tourists into a country. This will also ease the transportation of people and their goods. This will also help to reduce on the risks of road accidents because you find that most road accidents occur on faulty road(old roads with pot holes) but if they are tarmaced risks of road accidents will be very low. The Politicians should also go ahead to build hospitals to help those who can not afford to be treated from private hospitals. You should also be concerned about where the people in the country stay because there are some that live in the slums where they are very congested and even lack food so I think the Politicians should atleast buy for these people a piece of land where they can be resettled then they can also help this people with another peice of land and maybe buy for them seedlings and other farming equipment so that they can be able to grow crops and acquire food from there and that will be solving their hunger issues.
inventive_night | Lyons Hall Primary School C | United Kingdom 11 Nov 2022
Yes the people know what they want and when they want it so if they want to do an election then I think we should an election for politicians for the future if we want a new prime minister we can decide who we want and if they are good then they will make good decisions for our country’s.
Thanks Inventive_Night - you say that if the people want an election, there should be an election. How would you know if that is what the people want?
Hi @inventive_night!
Good idea, we should all be a part of the decision
Do you think the age to vote should be lowered?
inventive_night | Lyons Hall Primary School C | United Kingdom
Dilara @ Clifford Chance's comment
09 Dec 2022
I think the vote age should stay the same as if it was lowered it would take longer to add up the score but everyone above the age limit should be able to vote
cultured_gazelle | Shouka Prep Girls School | Occupied Palestinian Territory 12 Nov 2022
Is it time for a general eclection in the UK?
I think that the situation in Britain has become worse and worse than before. It has become a place where chaos prevails as citizens started to take all their decisions, especially after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Therefore, elections should be held in the United Kingdom without wasting more time. The United Kingdom used to be full of peace, security, and contenment, and it should come back as it used to be.
I agree with you that it is time for a general election in the UK. However, the death of the Queen has not had as much effect on the political atmosphere. It has been mostly because the Prime minister of the country resigned because the cabinet and general public had no faith in him. Then there was another Prime Minister, who also resigned within a month. Amongst the cost-of-living crisis and recession, people want the power to choose their Prime Minister this time because the previous two were appointed by the MPs. What do you think about the situation? Do you think that the general public should have the opportunity to elect their leaders in case of resignations?
outspoken_knowledge | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda 12 Nov 2022
I think that democracy is one of the things that are considered in the new era so UK is still keeping the democracy habit behind in the country and the way Rishi Sunak got appointed was not a democratic but it is actually more of a dictatorial way of governing so Rishi Sunak got chosen because he was the leader of the conservative party so he was chosen just like that so this is not a democratic way of choosing leaders so i think the UK should have a general election on such posts cause the top posts are hereditary so I think since other posts are crucial in there leadership they should have general elections on them. The way they choose the prime minister is so undemocratic because if a political party wins as the over roll party but when its leaders can't hold up or mange the post and the one from another political party can handle it well they will have no say so they will go with the one who is incapable no offense just giving examples. In conclusion th UK needs a general election.
free_snail | Beit Hanoun Prep Girls A School | Occupied Palestinian Territory 13 Nov 2022
With bees, there is a queen who manages their affairs so that everything does not mix with each other, and everyone remains organized
This is how countries must have a president or president who is able to govern and organize them. The candidates must show all their opinions, ideas, and political and economic plans so that the elected can choose the good president, especially in this period, because there are many problems that need solutions In countries such as the food crisis, decisions must be taken about it, and help the country change for the better and take the place of Queen Elizabeth, take her laws and develop them (change them for the better)
Hi free_snail! Yes it's true that the UK has a monarch -- it was Queen Elizabeth but now it is her son, King Charles. However nowadays, the queens or kings have very little say in how the country is run. Instead it is the democratically elected prime minister and their government who do this. Does this make you think differently about anything?
remarkable_peach | Mayflower Centre | Romania 14 Nov 2022
I think this was an interesting topic as we were not aware of how different the UK system is. In my opinion, this is a moral issue rather than legal. The fact that the UK has had so many prime ministers in such a short time is not illegal. But the question is if the current prime minister has the moral obligation to organise a general election. Some people will argue that he does, because he was elected by a handful of people and even then he wasn't their first choice, he was the last resort after the previous prime minister resigned. Others will say that the UK is in a crisis as it is - just like the shipwreck cartoon shows - and a general election will only make things worse. And who's to say that another party will win anyway? And if it doesn't, it will be a waste of time and money. I think the current prime minister should be allowed to do his job and his party should support him, as these are very difficult times.
glorious_philosophy | Govt. Comprehensive Boys High School | Pakistan 14 Nov 2022
I think that this is the time when general election are needed in UK because the economy of UK is going down day by day, and there is not a single person who can stabilize it as we see that before some time UK is the fifth super power but now it's the seventh super power.So,I think that this is the time for general election in UK.
THANK YOU.
Hi Glorious_Philosophy - you make a good point that the UK economy isn't doing particularly well at the moment. Do you think that a general election would have a positive impact on the economy? Do you think this would happen straight away?
glorious_philosophy | Govt. Comprehensive Boys High School | Pakistan
Alice @ Clifford Chance's comment
18 Nov 2022
Hi Alice @ Clifford Chance -I think that yes the general election will bring stability in the economy of UK.
THANK YOU.
idealistic_song | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda
Alice @ Clifford Chance's comment
09 Dec 2022
I actually think that the general election would have a negative impact on the economy because for this general election to be help there has to be a lot of money the government will have have to put in. For example to buy the ballot boxes, papers printing the names of the candidates and their faces on the ballot papers, pay the security that will be on the look out for any malpractice then even other workers that will work in the different voting areas will have tobbe paid including the one who will announce the results you go ahead and see that the family still has to put in money to organize the swearing in ceremony too.
sensible_impression | Shouka Prep Girls School | Occupied Palestinian Territory 14 Nov 2022
I think that general elections should be held in Britain because the current prime minister came by acclamation and from my point of view that first of all the electoral system in the United Kingdom must be changed so that the choice of the prime minister is through direct election by the people and not by members of Parliament. The most honest and clear. In Parliament, the prime minister is chosen by the parties that make up Parliament, which are often combined with partisan and personal interests.
Hi Sensible_Impression - it's interesting to think of the implications if the prime minister was elected directly and could be a different party to the majority of MPs sitting in the house of commons in Parliament. What could be the implications of this?
Hi sensible_impression,
Well observed that the current Prime Minister did not come about by general election - in fact, neither of the last two did!
However, one problem with general elections is that not all people will use their vote - why do you think this is?
poetic_banana | Shouka Prep Girls School | Occupied Palestinian Territory 15 Nov 2022
Is it time for a general election in the UK? I think yes, it is time for elections because the UK is getting worse and there are problems between society and institutions and a lot of that and also to choose a better president who can develop the UK and make it better before.
Hi Poetic_Banana - thanks for your comments. You say that the UK is getting worse. What do you mean by that? Can you give an example?
inspirational_forest | Rhemaville Christian Academy | Nigeria 15 Nov 2022
In every government there is a method that works for them and if the UK feel that the electoral method is best then it is fine and good but on the other hand citizens have a right to be heard and the method employed does not really do that, so what if the government and citizens come to an agreement that allows both systems to work maybe this year the election would be done using the electoral method and the next using general elections.
Very interesting suggestion!
Can you suggest any ways for government and citizens to discuss and find an agreement together?
quickwitted_tamarind | Cheam Fields Primary Academy | United Kingdom 16 Nov 2022
I believe it is time for a general election in the UK. This country is democratic, the public are allowed to make their voices heard and have the right to vote. I think that it is not only up to parliament to make our choices but the people too. If the people disagree with him, they should speak out against it. With the cost of living going up, we don't just need a stable government, we need a government that the people agree with and trust. If we do not agree with him, we cannot trust his decisions, yet he, as prime minister, is the one leading us through the cost of living.
Also, if the next general election is to happen in 2015, then it is likely that Rishi Sunak will be voted out. I think this because the people want a general election, and 2015 is approximately 2 years away. If Rishi Sunak does call the election early, he could win some favour with people for doing this. Depending on the date it is, he may even be able to influence others in a better way with decisions.
A way to find a stable government is by them having a good prime minister to lead them. So, the best way to do this is to have a general election, that way the people can voice their thoughts too.
Great reasoning quickwitted-tamarind! I think you mean our next election is in 2025 :), but your points are still very valid.
Some people think that having a leader like Rishi Sunak, who wasn't voted in by the public himself, even though his party was when it was led by Boris Johnson, is undemocratic. What do you think?
quickwitted_tamarind | Cheam Fields Primary Academy | United Kingdom
Steff @ Topical Talk's comment
17 Nov 2022
I think it was undemocratic. This is because they
government displayed that there would be a new prime minister on the news, but then they quietly voted without letting the people have a say.
earnest_tsunami | Ormiston Bushfield Academy | United Kingdom
quickwitted_tamarind's comment
18 Nov 2022
If we look at typical Conservative measures compared with their main contenders (Labour's), they have much better monetary policies to aid and amend the current economic issues, despite them being controversial and damaging in the short term. Labour increasing public spending would only worsen the inflationary rate of the country and cripple us further with national debt. Increasing taxation and using austerity measures historically has been the only way to amend this type of economic state, why would we try and change the way we do it now and risk further economic downturn?
quickwitted_tamarind | Cheam Fields Primary Academy | United Kingdom
earnest_tsunami's comment
23 Nov 2022
Nice thinking earnest_tsunami. However, whilst increasing the taxes seems to be the right thing to do at the moment, it may seem to 'save' the economic state leater on, but what about those who are poorly paid because of the cost of living. They may not be able to pay the taxes, and will be in dept. This may result in them not getting nutritional food, or not being able to afford heat or drinking water. To you think the government would help these people? I am not sure because once they help these people, anyone could just write a letter to the government saying that they want support. What do you think fair would look like in this world? Do you think that communism or democracy would be better in this crisis? There are two sides. Communism would mean that everyone could be paid the same amount and given the same amount of food. However, then, the government could potentially give more to their friends. Democracy could also be good, because that way, the pulic get a chance to say how they think we could stop this. With lots of thoughts going into this problem, it could be solved. What do you think?
amazing_computer | Rhemaville Christian Academy | Nigeria
quickwitted_tamarind's comment
26 Nov 2022
This is a very interesting post quickwitted_tamarind and I agree with you because for a country to work well towards progress, the citizens have to agree with their leaders and work together in harmony with them. I can relate to what you said because in our country the situation is almost the same. In my country, there are a lot of ethnic groups about 250 or more and it is usually a problem during elections because every ethnic group wants to be represented in place of power. Once there is a political candidate from an ethnic group all people in the country from that ethnic group vote for that person regardless of whether that person is suitable for the job or not and this causes a problem because it is the person from the most populated ethnic group that will end up being in power. Our current president, President Mohammadu Buhari was not good for the job at all but because the north is the most populated part of Nigeria and all of them voted for him, he won. In 2015, he was voted but he did nothing for our country in 4 years because of his ethnic group he still won the second election in 2019 and his tenure is soon coming to an end. Now in 2023, another election is coming. Our eyes as Nigerians have been forced open due to what we have suffered over these eight years. The country has only retrogressed over this period of time. We have suffered insecurity, corruption, an inflation rate reaching 22%, and more. Now, we as Nigerians have come together to decide that in this coming general elections, we will make our vote count we will not vote because of tribal preferences. We will vote on who we trust and can work together in other to progress. It is indeed time for a general election in Nigeria.
curious_contribution | Rhemaville Christian Academy | Nigeria
quickwitted_tamarind's comment
27 Nov 2022
Sometimes when individuals are allowed to voice out their opinions it causes discord. Apart from this citizens are allowed to vote to choose who they want in power and this kind of decision is crucial because the slightest mistake would lead to selection of the wrong person. The stability of the government should not always be blamed on the leaders but also the people who made the choice.
majestic_boysenberry | Beit Hanoun Prep Girls A School | Occupied Palestinian Territory 17 Nov 2022
As we have seen in the previous topics, the new Prime Minister is Sunak, and that the people of the United Kingdom suffer from the high cost of living, and some believe that it is not easy to qualify Sunak for such a responsibility, and we also saw the expression of the artist Cal in his drawing about the state of the United Kingdom and its political instability, so it would be right to hold elections general and the election of a president who is acceptable to the people and is satisfied with his rule
ambitious_speech | Gaza Prep B Girls School | Occupied Palestinian Territory
majestic_boysenberry's comment
20 Nov 2022
I agree because... I really agree about your distinctive opinion.Your comment is full of hope and gives us motivation to be positive and effective person.I agree that to be a hero , isn't about having superpower or to be heros in movies like Superman or Spiderman. Each of us should be a hero to himself and to others around him and to do all his efforts to the best for everyone..
lovable_politics | Ormiston Bushfield Academy | United Kingdom 18 Nov 2022
I don't think it is time for a general election because Rishi Sunak (The first Asian PM) hasn't had time to make an impact on our government or opinions, yet people are still calling for a general election after having the job for less than a month. The requests for a general election started shortly after Liz Truss (The third female PM) was given the role of Prime Minister and continued after Rishi Sunak was appointed. It is clear that the pressure from the country affected Liz Truss, as she quit after less than two months. These constant demand for a general election was not as prominent when Boris Johnson was PM, although people wanted him out of the position of power, the news didn't highlight the demand for resignation until the vote of no confidence and resignation from other MPs. This is why I believe there shouldn't be a general election right now.
A thoughtful response, thanks lovable_politics. What do you think is a reasonable amount of time for a new prime minister to be allowed before these calls and why?
lovable_politics | Ormiston Bushfield Academy | United Kingdom
's comment
23 Nov 2022
I believe that a prime minister should be in power for month before people start to demand for a general election, unless they are clearly not suited to the job, I think they should be allowed time to adjust to a new role and make an impact on the public and their colleagues as prime minister. For example, Liz Truss had an enormous amount of pressure just the 45 days she was prime minister, the whole government had to adapt after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Truss had to fire people she most likely didn't want to and had to work while dealing with comment coming from the public. These factors lead to the resignation of Truss. Even though she was prime minister for over a month I believe my argument still stands because she had to, like the rest of the nation, had to put her normal duties on hold during the period of mourning.
amazing_tradition | Ormiston Bushfield Academy | United Kingdom
lovable_politics's comment
09 Dec 2022
I disagree because in recent weeks Rishi Sunak has started a coal mine in Cumbria and also made it harder to strike for Postal workers, people who work on trains, Teachers and Nurses
lovable_politics | Ormiston Bushfield Academy | United Kingdom
amazing_tradition's comment
14 Dec 2022
Your argument does have a point. However, my comments were made before the announcement of the coal mine and before Rishi Sunak had been PM for a month and he wouldn't have made as big decisions at the time of my comment. This is why I stand by my original comment.
earnest_tsunami | Ormiston Bushfield Academy | United Kingdom 18 Nov 2022
Is it time for a general election in the UK?
No, as to ensure the integrity of the UK politics system we need to ensure the public can trust parties to take the correct decisions as and when issues arise. As of right now, we have extremely high inflation rates and a rising cost of living, and these issues and best be solved through typical Conservative actions such as austerity measures. Reducig government spending will ensure that this capital can be set aside to aid the families and households most at need, and ensure we cap energy and other dramatically rising bills.
It can be argued that Conservatives increasing taxes makes the issue worse, however taxes are raised due to historically high national debt arguably caused by Labours extensive public spending, and this high taxation is a necessity to ensure the future of the UK economy. The new legislation formulated by Jeremy Hunt will be taxing the 'rich' more ensuring that lower earners are dragged further into this extensive cost of living spiral. This will ensure that public debt decreases overtime and doesn't hugely damage public spending as it already is very low. Despite your political beliefs and personal agendas, the Conversatives for our current economic state can best manage and better the UK economy through increased taxation and austerity measures, despite them being bad on a personal and short-term level, they are extremely beneficial for the future of the UK economy and our livelihoods.
outstanding_rabbit | Beit Hanoun Prep Girls A School | Occupied Palestinian Territory
earnest_tsunami's comment
25 Nov 2022
But I think that it is better to make elections and that it is time for you to find the right person for this task, a person whose thinking is aligned with the thinking of the people, a person who appreciates that not everyone can pay the huge taxes, a person who helps in the growth and progress of society.
strong_orca | Lyons Hall Primary School C | United Kingdom 25 Nov 2022
i think it is time for a general election we have not had one in a bit i think we should
ethical_climate | Beit Hanoun Prep Girls A School | Occupied Palestinian Territory
strong_orca's comment
05 Dec 2022
Yes, and certainly the time has come to hold the United Nations elections. One of the best things that seek to build an independent state is the independent presidency, meaning that wherever we go right and left, we will follow this presidency and this entity, to stand against them, meaning that you stand against the right, so one of the most important foundations for building a successful state It is an independent presidency
diplomatic_dog | Lyons Hall Primary School B | United Kingdom 25 Nov 2022
I think we should wait and see if Rishi Sunak is a good leader for Britain before starting a general election because I have a feeling he will make some good things happen and we should give everyone a chance.
persistent_weasel | Lyons Hall Primary School D | United Kingdom 25 Nov 2022
I believe it’s time for a general election as we keep on changing and changing our prime minister without the people in the uk having there thoughts on what prime minister they want. Some times we are flying the prime ministers in on airplanes also affecting the climate so if we keep changing prime ministers from a different country’s we are going to make our climate worse. Personally I don’t think everyone’s happy with Rishi Sunak being prime minister but some people will.
reflective_journalist | Rafah Prep A Girls School | Occupied Palestinian Territory 26 Nov 2022
I think it's time for a general election in the UK. This country is democratic, it allows the public to make their voices heard and they have the right to vote. I believe that it is not only up to Parliament to make our choices, but also to the people. And if people disagree with him, they will be vocal about it. With the cost of living rising, we need not only a stable government, we need a government that people agree with and trust. If we do not agree with him, we cannot trust his decisions, and yet it is he, as Prime Minister, who leads us through the cost of living. Also, if the next general election is to take place in 2015, Rishi Sunak will likely be voted out. I think it's because people want a general election, and 2015 is almost two years away. If Rishi Sunak calls for early elections, he can gain some support from the people for doing so. Depending on the date, he may be able to influence others in a better way through decisions. One way to create a stable government is to have a good prime minister to lead it. So, the best way to do that is to have a general election, that way people can express their ideas as well.
illuminated_llama | Cheam Fields Primary Academy | United Kingdom 28 Nov 2022
I think that there should be a general election since the past few prime minister have been nightmares. Also I think if Rishi Sunak is like the prime ministers before then the royalty or the public or public should protest for a general election since the Torys would have proven themselves silly and unwothey.
ingenious_date | Lyons Hall Primary School D | United Kingdom 29 Nov 2022
It is crazy on how quick liz resigned! We need a PM who will stay.
flowing_information | Lyons Hall Primary School E | United Kingdom 02 Dec 2022
Is it time for a general election in the UK?
Yes. I think its time for a general election because at the moment we are having trouble with having the right person to fix are big problems. I think its time for the public to vote for who they think should lead their country after the dramatic resigning of Liz Truss.
gutsy_elephant | Lyons Hall Primary School E | United Kingdom 02 Dec 2022
I think is it time for a general election!
are current prime minister is Rishi Sunak but he got in with out make a single speech I think is a general election
highspirited_world | Ormiston Bushfield Academy | United Kingdom 07 Dec 2022
Is it time for a general election?
Yes, I think that it is time for a general election in the Uk. However even though I think one is due, it should not take place until 2024.
Many people were irritated by the choice of the conservative party made when Boris Johnson resigned (keeping it an in-party vote) as a large majority of people believed that it should have gone to a general election. To me, that just wouldn't have been the correct option. Back in 2019, the conservative party won the vote with 365 seats (the next closest party being labor with 202 seats) securing a noticeable win in the vote. This means that they were intitled to their 5 years in government. So why would they go to a general election? Simply because the public are voicing how their policies simply are not helping those who really need it.
To justify the issues that the conservative party is going through (though some of their ideology can be out of place), they did have to lead the country through one of the most difficult issues in current times, the global pandemic. This evidently threw them off massively as no one knew just how hard it was going to hit and what impact it would inevitably have. The party had to make the most effective moves possible that many wouldn't agree with. Lots of 'scandals' and drama has occurred in the 3 years so far, which has arguable given a bad name to the party and questions on the formality of them leading the country.
Many people continue to edge for a general election, simply because the conservatives are not meeting the needs of the people. The economic crisis is not being helped to the level people need, they feel let down by our government. They are often represented (by their actions) to not care about how their new regulations affect every single person on an economic and social scale. With their own personal issues affecting the governments social status - making them appear almost as a joke. The public need someone not only who will solve their issues, but a government they can also trust. The public deserve to use their voices.
However, this highlights that the public did have a voice and with it they voted in the conservatives. Could it have been a 'mistake' they are realizing now that their vote is hurting them (let that be financially or in other ways), even so, they cannot fully blame the conservatives. Despite them creating issues to begin with. Simply because the majority voted them in. This does not mean however, that people cannot voice their opinions on how certain issues are being tackled by the party. The public will always have a voice. But their votes can have a lasting impact.
To me, this shows that the conservative party is owed their 5 years in the parliament building as they deservingly won the last general election. But this does not mean the public cannot speak out about what they think the conservatives need to focus on and fix. So, for me, I would think that a general election is needed due to the current state of our government however, I also believe that the conservative party should be able to serve the 5 years they were guaranteed in 2019 despite the issues that have occurred.
Highspirited_World - you make a valid point about the parliamentary term. The UK democratic process elects a party to lead and form a government, not a prime minister. That said I would be interested in your thoughts on whether the process of the Conservative party electing a new leader and leaving the final vote to the conservative membership is more or less democratic than the Conservative MPs choosing themselves?
idealistic_song | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda 12 Dec 2022
I may understand thatcth the government of UK doesn't want to carryout general elections because they don't want to kill their culture in the they acquire their pre ministers and they will feel like they are copying wat some other countries. But they should know that change is not bad and it's notv copying its learning from your neighbour's which are rest of the countries. Then they should also consider the public's decision, allow them speak out about what they think of the country's leadership and also listen to them because they have a right to freedom of speech and they have a right to choose their own leaders so the government should promote democracy in the country by carrying out the general elections.
victorious_goat | St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High school | Uganda 13 Dec 2022
Is it time for a general election?
Yes, I think that it is time for a general election in the Uk. However even though I think one is due, it should not take place until 2024.
Many people were irritated by the choice of the conservative party made when Boris Johnson resigned (keeping it an in-party vote) as a large majority of people believed that it should have gone to a general election. To me, that just wouldn't have been the correct option. Back in 2019, the conservative party won the vote with 365 seats (the next closest party being labor with 202 seats) securing a noticeable win in the vote. This means that they were intitled to their 5 years in government. So why would they go to a general election? Simply because the public are voicing how their policies simply are not helping those who really need it.
To justify the issues that the conservative party is going through (though some of their ideology can be out of place), they did have to lead the country through one of the most difficult issues in current times, the global pandemic. This evidently threw them off massively as no one knew just how hard it was going to hit and what impact it would inevitably have. The party had to make the most effective moves possible that many wouldn't agree with. Lots of 'scandals' and drama has occurred in the 3 years so far, which has arguable given a bad name to the party and questions on the formality of them leading the country.
Many people continue to edge for a general election, simply because the conservatives are not meeting the needs of the people. The economic crisis is not being helped to the level people need, they feel let down by our government. They are often represented (by their actions) to not care about how their new regulations affect every single person on an economic and social scale. With their own personal issues affecting the governments social status - making them appear almost as a joke. The public need someone not only who will solve their issues, but a government they can also trust. The public deserve to use their voices.
However, this highlights that the public did have a voice and with it they voted in the conservatives. Could it have been a 'mistake' they are realizing now that their vote is hurting them (let that be financially or in other ways), even so, they cannot fully blame the conservatives. Despite them creating issues to begin with. Simply because the majority voted them in. This does not mean however, that people cannot voice their opinions on how certain issues are being tackled by the party. The public will always have a voice. But their votes can have a lasting impact.
To me, this shows that the conservative party is owed their 5 years in the parliament building as they deservingly won the last general election. But this does not mean the public cannot speak out about what they think the conservatives need to focus on and fix. So, for me, I would think that a general election is needed due to the current state of our government however, I also believe that the conservative party should be able to serve the 5 years they were guaranteed in 2019 despite the issues that have occurred