The proposal of SOS - Socially Deprived People of Slovenia goes in the direction of providing unemployed, socially deprived people with a more attractive, but by no means privileged, status in the selection of candidates to serve on electoral committees. The important thing about this proposal is that it does not change existing legislation. It would only change the provisions on remuneration for serving on committees (and commissions). The proposal provides that the members of electoral committees and commissions are still determined by the relevant laws on elections to... only that only those with benefits and incomes below the minimum personal income in the Republic of Slovenia (beneficiaries of social assistance or protection allowance) would actually be paid for their work on the committees and commissions. For all others, the principle would apply as before that work on electoral committees and commissions is honorary and as such not paid. Political parties would continue, as before, to propose lists of candidates to serve on committees and commissions. Thus, no law would be changed that would in any way restrict the right of anyone to participate. It would not take away anyone's right. However, it would be in the interests of the parties to delegate to committees and commissions, in particular, those members who do not meet the minimum personal income threshold. If they were still to delegate members above that threshold, the State budget would save money in paying those candidates. For the unemployed, this would allow them, at least the few times every so many years, to receive an additional honestly earned income, which they already need anyway. Those who are not materially deprived should not even miss out on such a benefit because, as mentioned above, they serve on the committees on the principle that it is an honourable job. The extremely important effect of integrating a socially disadvantaged, unemployed group of people into society should not be overlooked. It is well known (in the opinion of the medical profession in general) that unemployment and social hardship exclude these people from society, pushing them to the bottom of a spiral in which they become trapped, making it increasingly difficult for them to get out of the situation. Performing this important and honourable function would bring these people closer to society and to the environment in which they otherwise disappear. It is also worth mentioning the benefits of justifying the use of funds (especially when referendums are called). The bulk of the funds that go to pay for the work of committees and commissions would, by this measure, go to the weakest and would be much easier to justify than otherwise. As a consequence, the amount of money spent on elections or referendums is also expected to decrease slightly, which is part of the measures to reduce the use of public funds. Another good feature of the proposal is the improvement of the credibility of candidates. It is recognised that situations of social deprivation are transitory. Sooner or later, the unemployed find a job and are no longer eligible. This means that candidates for committees and commissions would change more often, which can only be good for ensuring the credibility of the work of committees and commissions. It is a well-known fact that in small local authorities, the same people have been in these positions for years or even decades, which makes many people sceptical about the integrity of the work of a committee or commission. This measure would also help to improve the situation in this area. Candidates wishing to be paid for their work would have to prove their eligibility by means of a decision from the CSD stating that they are in receipt of social assistance or a care allowance. Photocopies of these proofs would be attached by the political parties to the lists of candidates submitted (and to the notation - a new box on the list - that they ARE entitled to be paid for committee or commission work).
As before, the parties would nominate the candidates themselves. However, if there are concerns that political parties would not have enough candidates with such social status, the proposal could be supplemented by the possibility to advertise committee and commission work through the Employment Service of the Republic of Slovenia, in such a way that a candidate can apply to a particular political party (without being conditional on becoming a member or sympathiser), and the party ultimately decides whether or not the candidate is suitable in terms of party affiliation. Plurality would thus remain guaranteed and the parties would lose nothing. Ultimately, they would still have every right and possibility to delegate candidates who have a regular job or other income above the minimum. I suggest that you consider the proposal with all seriousness and adopt the appropriate procedures. The proposal could come into force as early as the forthcoming elections of the President of the Republic or the likely early elections to the National Assembly. Mitja Softić SOS - Socially Deprived of Slovenia