KENTISH TOWN election: hustings are essential to democratic process

IN view of the extraordinary amount of coverage given to the story about Philip Thompson and his efforts to conduct business from his new home in the USA, it is ironic that hardly anything was said about the recent by-election in Kentish Town. I wonder

IN view of the extraordinary amount of coverage given to the story about Philip Thompson and his efforts to conduct business from his new home in the USA, it is ironic that hardly anything was said about the recent by-election in Kentish Town.

I wonder how many voters were aware that an election was taking place?

Anyway, in view of the low turnout, I hope that Awale Olad (and other future candidates) will understand the vital importance of holding hustings where voters can cross-question the policies of those standing for office.

Hustings are an essential part of the democratic process and all candidates should participate in them.

Refusal to attend - even on the grounds that they dislike the policies of other candidates - is an insult to the intelligence of the electorate.

It is a pity that our politicians criticise the failings of the political systems of Russia and China when we, in Britain, are incapable of properly organising democracy for ourselves.

Magnus Nielsen

UKIP candidate

Finchley Road, NW3