POPULAR PARTICIPATION

POPULAR PARTICIPATION

   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.  It also refers to the procedure of involving majority of the citizens of a country in the decision making processes, especially on issues that affect the welfare of the generality of the populace. It is also a situation whereby the people are permitted to take part in the political activities of their country

Reasons for Political Participation

1.    To take part in Decision-making:  some people participate in politics because they want to take part in decision-making in their country.

2.    To Correct the Mistakes of those in Power:  some people desire participation in politics in order to correct errors of those in powers.

3.    For Equitable Distribution of Resources: some people participate in politics in order to ensure equity in the allocation and distribution of societal resources.

4.    Promote a sense of belonging: many join politics to promote sense of belonging among the people by carrying everybody along in the process of development.

5.    For material gains:  some people take part in political activities because of the desire to acquire economic and material gains (wealth).

6.    Promote self-fulfillment/satisfaction.:  people who have achieved a lot in other fields of human endeavour do seek participation in politics as self-fulfillment 

7.    Improve the quality of governance by influencing the direction of government policies.

8.    To ensure the legitimacy of government, and enhance collective effort in the development of the political system.

9.    To promote popular consciousness, create greater opportunities for citizen’s political awareness and education.

 

Factors that promote popular participation

(1) Universal adult suffrage: this is an unlimited franchise given to all adult citizens of the country. In contrast, when citizens’ franchise is limited by race, income, tribe etc., participation in politics will be limited. Thus, popular participation is determined or encouraged by universal adult suffrage.

(2) Political and civic education: this will enable the citizens to become enlightened about their political and civic rights and duties. When they know these things, they will be more disposed to political participation

(3) Multi-party system: each party has its ideology and manifesto. In a one-party system, the single ideology may not accommodate or represent the diversity of the people’s will. Hence, they may not participate. But a multi-party system gives room for all the diverse interests to be fully represented. Thus, people will simply join the party that promotes their interest.

(4) Direct democracy: this is a situation in which the people are directly engaged in the political decision making. In contrast, indirect democracy prevents the people from direct participation in decision making; it is their elected representatives that decide for them

(5) Federalism: in this type of government, political participation is broken down from center to state to local or grassroots level so as to carry everybody along in the political decision process.

(6) Online voting: this is a modern trend in politics. It is an effect of globalization in which some countries allow their citizens outside the shores of their country to participate in election through the internet

 

Reasons why people do not participate in politics

a.     Economic reason: those who cannot make ends meet would see politics as a frivolous gesture which is reserved for the rich

b.    Discrimination and marginalization: some people that feel marginalized my not see any need to participate in politics

c.     Literacy: lack of civic and political education may make a person ignorant of his political right to participate in politic

d.    Unfulfilled political promises: People refuse to participate in public affairs due to the failure or inability of the leaders to fulfill their promises.

e.     Illiteracy: The illiterates in the society see political activities as the birthright of the educated elite. Those who cannot read and write cannot be allowed to contest for any elective position. Therefore, they do not see any need to be actively involved in public affairs.

f.         Poverty: Money plays a major role in any political system. The cost of electioneering campaign is high. Many good candidates cannot afford to meet this financial obligation hence they remain at the level of mere voters.

g.      Cultural/Religious Beliefs: Some religions and culture do not allow women to take active part in public affairs. They see it as the duty of men.

h.    Fear of Intimidation: Most people believe that the influential in the society could easily use their position to intimidate anybody they perceive as a viable opposition.

i.        Military Intervention: Frequent intervention of military in the administration of the state can create lack of interest in political affairs.

j.       Election Rigging: People refuse to participate in politics because they believe their vote will not count. Hence, they prefer to stay back and watch from far.

k.    Violence During Election: Many people stay from popular participation because of the frequent violence that characterized most elections. They prefer to sit at home to avoid being victims of violence.

l.       Disability: Those who are physically challenged may not be able to participate actively in politics even when they have the interest.