Participatory democracy is a call for more ‘people power’ in politics and across society
- Emelita Robbins
- Visto: 22
When it comes to the climate,
a change in thinking is key.
Citizens' assemblies are not exactly new. The tradition stems back to ancient Athenian democracy, but a modern resurgence in their use has come along with the popularity of other forms of deliberative or participatory democracy (think citizens’ panels or juries, and the use of referendums). Arguably this trend is a consequence of the perception that the model of vesting power in hierarchical structures (of which governments are the most important) is broken.
Participatory democracy is part of a general call for more ‘people power’ in politics and across society and the desire for the introduction of democratic reform. Initiatives like the citizens’ assembly are intended to give greater legitimacy to the decisions of elected representatives.
Most governments are in favour of participatory democracy but have fallen short when it comes to using the different forms once they appreciate that the participants have autonomy over the outcomes. It is this fact that makes it so exciting that the States Assembly and the government have chosen to adopt the use of a citizens’ assembly in Jersey to decide ‘how we can work together to become carbon neutral’. It really is a case of doing politics differently in the Island.
Add a comment Leer más...