Open Consensus Party Manifesto
Building a Responsible and Accountable South Africa
Introduction
The Open Consensus Party is committed to fostering a nation where individual responsibility, personal freedom, and government accountability are paramount. We believe that by empowering people to take charge of their lives and ensuring that the government truly serves its citizens, we can create a prosperous and fair South Africa for all.
Core Principles
Personal Responsibility
Empowerment of Individuals and Families: We believe that people are responsible for themselves and their families. By promoting self-reliance, we aim to cultivate a society where individuals have the freedom and support to improve their own lives.
Individual Rights and Economic Freedom
Right to Own Property: Every person has the right to own property without undue interference.
Freedom of Occupation: Individuals have the right to choose their profession and negotiate fair compensation for their work.
Fair Taxation: We advocate for a fair tax system where everyone pays their fair share, ensuring that taxation is equitable but not overly burdensome or progressive.
Government Accountability
Subservience to the People: The government must be absolutely subservient to the people, serving their interests above all else.
Transparent Use of Tax Funds: Taxation is the people's money. Citizens have the right to direct how their taxes are used and to hold the government accountable for its spending.
Transparency in Government Compensation
Disclosure of Representative Pay: Before each election, the government should present a clear outline of proposed compensation for representatives, allowing the public to review and provide input.
Commitment to Public Services
Utilization of Public Sector by Officials: Public servants, including members of parliament, should prioritize using public services. For example, if public education is mandated, their children should attend public schools. This ensures they are directly invested in the quality of these services.
Universal Basic Income
Economic Security for All: We support the implementation of a Universal Basic Income (UBI), granting citizens the absolute right to use this income as they see fit. This empowers individuals financially and stimulates economic participation.
Efficient Government Services
Limitation to Essential Functions: The government should focus on providing services that the private sector cannot efficiently deliver. By limiting its scope, the government can operate more effectively and encourage private enterprise.
Non-Partisan Representation
Responsibility to All Constituents: Once elected to public office, representatives are responsible for all the people in the area they serve. They relinquish their party affiliation upon taking office and cannot participate in party elections or promote one political party over another.
Impartial Governance: This ensures that elected officials focus solely on the needs and interests of their constituents, promoting unity and reducing partisan divisions.
Our Vision for South Africa
We envision a South Africa where:
Individuals are Empowered: Citizens have the freedom and resources to pursue their goals.
Government is Accountable and Impartial: Transparent, subservient, and non-partisan governance ensures that the people's voice directs national progress without party biases.
Fairness and Equity Prevail: A fair tax system and Universal Basic Income promote economic justice and reduce inequality.
Public Services are Exemplary: With officials directly involved in public services, the quality and effectiveness of these services will improve.
Unity Over Division: By promoting non-partisan representation, we aim to foster a more unified and cohesive society.
Conclusion
The Open Consensus Party invites all South Africans to join us in creating a nation where personal responsibility, individual rights, and government accountability are the foundations of our society. By embracing non-partisan representation, we commit to serving the true interests of all citizens. Together, we can build a better future for ourselves and generations to come.
For more information and to join our movement, please visit our website at openconsensus.co.za.