Author: Rajesh Tandon
Sustaining citizen participation in democracies has become very difficult in recent years. The challenge for all believers in democratic ethos and governance is to inspire, nudge, push, enable and practice what is required from ‘We the people’, writes Rajesh Tandon in this blog.
“Human brains are not built for self-rule…democracy is devouring itself…”
These shocking words were spoken by Prof Shawn Rosenberg at the annual gathering of International Society of Political Psychologists in Lisbon a couple of months ago. He went on to explain that citizens have proved to be incapable of exercising heavy responsibilities required in self-governance, giving recent examples from Western & European democracies—America, Britain, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Russia…..
On the occasion of 13th International Day of Democracy, these are harsh and troubling statements to ponder over.
Recent events around the world, not just in Western/European countries, suggest that this phenomenon may well be universal. Post-revolutionary democratic regimes in many countries are experiencing “democracy devouring itself”…. Nicaragua, Brasil, Chile, Argentina in the Americas…South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola on the African continent….Indonesia, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka in Asia….. to name a few!
Through electorally mandated democratic regimes in all these countries, citizens are being silenced and sentenced.
And ironically, this year, the United Nations has given International Day of Democracy the theme of PARTICIPATION!
In further explaining this theme, the UN goes on to say “political participation, civic space and social dialogue make up its foundations”, acknowledging that civic space is shrinking, and social activists and human rights defenders, including journalists, face violent attacks. The UN then advises us all:
This International Day of Democracy is an opportunity to urge all governments to respect their citizens' right to active, substantive and meaningful participation in democracy.
How can we make this happen in the current environment of fear, divisiveness, surveillance and physical violence in all of the above-mentioned democracies, and many more?
Participation may require new meaning in this context, not the inclusive, active and engaged citizen participation that was promoted and practiced two or three decades ago? Without voice, how can citizen participation even be imagined? And, voice requires knowledge of what is going on around us, requiring more than ever before, open and equitable access to digital means of communication?
When PRIA began its programmes for promoting participation of the marginalised through local knowledge as a source of empowerment four decades ago, it emphasised participation as decision-making, not mere consultation. Twenty years ago, its programme was designed as “Governance Where People Matter”. In partnership with several hundred practitioners and educators around the world, PRIA has promoted citizen participation and democratic governance; its efforts, along with many others in government, academia and civil society, has demonstrated the value of active citizenship and participatory democracy as building blocks towards “development of all, by all, with all.”
Based on an international study coordinated by us, the Commonwealth Foundation launched its programme on Citizens & Governance two decades ago; the results of this study were then widely disseminated as “Reviving Democracy”. Some parts of the world did witness revival of democratic participation a decade ago, popularly labelled ‘Arab Spring’ in North Africa and Middle East.
As Prof Rosenberg argues, citizens have to participate actively and meaningfully for self-governance. Democracy entails listening to and respecting different points-of-views, and finding peaceful, dialogical means for negotiated agreements. Sustaining and refreshing citizens’ participation in democracies has become very difficult in recent years, as globalisation and new digital technology have overwhelmed citizens. Mutual respect and trust amongst citizens—social capital—is critical for such a meaningful and thoughtful participation. How can that be promoted today?
Five years ago, on International Day of Democracy in 2014, the UN had called upon youth to participate actively in building and nurturing democracy locally. PRIA initiated its Youth-n-Democracy programme three years ago. The focus of this effort is on democracy in everyday life (#DiEL)—learning to listen to and respect different voices, cultures, languages, and perspectives.
Citizen participation in nurturing and sustaining democratic ethos in all societies is much more critical today in the context of what has been described as “democracy devouring itself”. The challenge for all believers in democratic ethos and governance is to inspire, nudge, push, enable and practice what is required from ‘We the people’!
PRIA’s MobiliseHER team traveled to Bangalore during the week of June, 10 – 14, 2024. The aim of the visit was to gain relevant insights into the civil society ecosystem in Bangalore and meet different organisations to understand the city through a lens of gender and inclusive mobility.
Working at PRIA, often leads us to various cities across the country. Each trip is an opportunity to witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs of different communities.
Mr. Yedukrishnan V has recently joined PRIA after gaining valuable experience in the development sector. Drawing from his journey in the social sector and personal encounters in Kerala, he emphasises the importance of participatory governance and research in empowering marginalised communities.'
