Revision and Political Participation

Meaning of Popular Participation

The term, ‘participation’ means the involvement of persons in the process of determining decisions on matters that affect them.

Popular participation is a process whereby people are permitted to take part in the political system on the basis of equality.

 

It can also be defined as the process whereby the majority of the citizens in a state or country show interest in partaking in the affairs and decision making of the state.

It involves the input of citizens and enabling them to be involved in the decision making of the state. It also ensures that decision is made in consideration of the majority

 

Popular participation gives unrestricted equal opportunities to all citizens in expressing their views towards the activities of the state. Popular participation thus suggests a process of involving wider sections of people in decision making on issues that concern them.

Forms of Popular Participation

The  various forms of popular participation include the following:

1.Involvement in campaigns

2.Voting during elections

3.Analyzing political issues

4.Holding political offices

5.Contesting elections

6.Membership of pressure group

7.Dissemination of party propaganda

8.protest/criticism and petition

9.Financial and material assistance to political parties

10.Supporting candidates during elections

The Citizens Participating in Electoral Process

Purposes of Popular Participation

1. It helps to legitimize the government in power, as it gives the government the necessary support and mandate to govern the country on behalf of the people.

2. It helps to make government responsive, responsible, and accountable to the citizenry.

3. It helps to create political awareness among the electorate.

4. It offers some psychological satisfaction to those who are interested in the leadership and administration of government.

   

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