Year: 2024 | Month: December | Volume 69 | Issue 1Special
Civic Participation in Public Administration: Strengthening Democracy and Involving Citizens in Decision-making Processes
Oleksandr Konotopenko
Serhii Lapshin
Oleg Rabenchuk
Tetyana Novachenko and Tetiana Drakokhrust
DOI:10.46852/0424-2513.1.2024.35
Abstract:
The issue of citizens’ participation in political life is always of particular relevance since the active involvement of citizens in political processes is one of the crucial principles of democracy that contributes to its strengthening. The purpose of the research is to analyze the benefits of involving citizens in public administration processes, to identify the major mechanisms and practices of public participation in public administration, the challenges related to their implementation, and ways to overcome them. The research methodology is based on two key theories of democracy: participatory and deliberative, which focus on the justification of the ideas of citizens’ participation in political life (discussion and political decision-making). The research results made it possible to identify both the key benefits of citizens’ participation in public administration and the problems that arise when citizens try to influence political decisions at different levels. In the course of the research, it has been established that civic participation in public administration contributes to increasing the effectiveness and legitimacy of governance and strengthening democracy. It helps people develop a clear awareness of their place in the political decision-making process, giving them the ability to have an impact on national, regional, or local politics. It has been determined that civic participation has a wide range of mechanisms; however, in the vast majority of cases, public authorities use information tools. Information technologies (e-government) are becoming an important tool for expanding citizens’ participation in governance processes. This provides an opportunity to involve a wider range of citizens in discussions or proposals. The major problems related to both the low level of civic engagement and the officials’ lacks of interest in involving citizens in decision-making processes are outlined.
Highlights
- Citizens’ Participation Fosters Democracy and Legitimacy: The research underscores that citizens’ active engagement in various forms, such as referendums, public hearings, and consultations, is crucial for strengthening democracy, increasing government transparency, and ensuring efficiency.
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