In this article, I will discuss the meaning of popular participation, its types, and the reasons for it. The citizens in a state or country ought to show interest in the affairs and decision-making of the state. This way, one is performing his or her civic responsibilities.
What is Popular Participation
Popular participation can be defined as follows:
popular participation refers to the active involvement of citizens in the socio-political activities of a country.
It is a process of involving the citizens in the governance of their country and in deciding important socio-cultural, political, and economic matters.
Popular participation also refers to the procedure of involving a majority of the citizens of a country in the decision-making processes, especially on issues that affect the welfare of the generality of populace.
Read: Problems of civil society in civic education
Types of Popular Participation
Registering as a Political Party Member: Being a card-carrying member of a political party is a way of involving in the political landscape of a country.
Voting in an Election: This is one of the civic responsibilities of every citizen. It entails individual voting for those who will govern them.
Protest and Demonstration against Government Policy: Every citizen has a right to peaceful protest especially when the policy made by the government is against the well-being of the country. It is a way of showing dissatisfaction with the government.
Supporting Political Party: Every citizen has a right to support any political party of their choice. This is a way involving in presenting those that are eligible to govern the country.
Holding of Public Office: This will give further opportunity to an individual in decision-making processes, especially on issues that affect the welfare of the generality of the populace
Reasons for Popular Participation in the Society
- Promote political awareness and education.
- Foster political stability.
- Promote self-fulfillment/satisfaction.
- Enhance development.
- Institutionalize responsive and responsible government.
- Promote popular consciousness.
- Create greater opportunities for citizens.
- Enhance the confidence of the people to hold the government accountable.
- Improve the quality of governance.
- Influence the direction of government policies.
- Ensure the legitimacy of government.
- Enhance collective effort in the development of the political system.
- Promote a sense of belonging among the people.
- Carry everybody along in the process of development.
- Ensure equity in the allocation of societal resources.
- Enable people to gain socio-economic and political power.
