![\"ce_chart_09_11-elections1\"](\"http:\/\/chief-exec.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/CE_chart_09_11-elections1.png\")
Here we show a snapshot of some very recent referendums and elections.<\/p>\nThe result was due in the early hours of Wednesday morning in the UK.\u00a0 It took longer to become definitive.<\/p>\n
At 7:40am Hillary Clinton conceded defeat and Donald Trump exceeded expectations, except perhaps his own, and was declared victor in a cliff hanger US presidential election.<\/p>\n
Whatever the outcome there is one result that has been certain for much longer \u2013 a more divided society. The issues that have separated the protagonists will not disappear and their understanding and resolution is impeded by a polemic that will continue between those on both sides who prefer not to listen. It is like a dialogue between the deaf.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Here we show a snapshot of some very recent referendums and elections.<\/p>\n
The US election was not the only cliff hanger outcome. Other countries too have been divided and by very narrow margins. Does this mean that a minority of any size should be ignored? Is there something in the make-up of modern society that leads to such marginal majorities? What does this say about democracy?<\/p>\n
The \u201ctyranny of the majority\u201d describes how the many exercise legal and moral superiority over the few, ignoring their rights. What happens when the minority is almost as large as the majority?<\/p>\n
Marginal elections and referendums are decided by a relatively small group of floating voters, who differ from the larger majority that keep to their original view throughout a campaign. How do the floaters decide? Does the result represent \u201cthe will of the people\u201d or is it the outcome of a few hundred thousand tossed coins?<\/p>\n
The questions abound.<\/p>\n
At Chief-Exec.com our role is to consider these questions and others over the coming weeks and months, to let the dust settle and give a considered and concise appraisal of the recent tumultuous events and their consequences.<\/p>\n
A healing phase is now needed in the US. Citizens must remember that they are players on the same team and share the same planet.<\/p>\n
In the UK the situation continues to worsen. Incendiary newspaper headlines, opportunistic politicians and social network ranting all aim to create and sustain an impression of two warring factions \u2013 the us and the them \u2013 the bremorons and the\u00a0remoaners \u2013 to cement an allegiance to either cause by antipathy and even fear of the \u201cother\u201d.\u00a0 Campaigns are played out in the domain of the emotions where factual discourse is considered unwanted and confusing.<\/p>\n
Citizens with differing views are told to \u201cget over it, you lost, move on and join the winning side\u201d.\u00a0 Large minorities now seem likely to be ignored and become disenfranchised \u201ccitizens of nowhere\u201d.\u00a0 Next stop: is it fascism or strength through diversity?<\/p>\n
Another key question.<\/p>\n
Many real people behind the facade are themselves as individuals torn by these same societal divisions, which they need to rationalise within themselves.<\/p>\n