Global experiences indicate that to make this shift to deepen citizen engagement, it is essential that citizens have trust in the systems of governance. Both measures have created platforms that give voice to local people, and the latter facilitates greater participation in governance. This point leads me to the second important element for engaging citizens in democratic processes: the availability of accountability mechanisms. Citizens’ participation and accountability mechanisms help achieve the third element – responsive governance. But responsive governance also requires capacity within the State to facilitate citizens’ demands, and to provide effective solutions in the form of policies, programmes and projects.

Source: Front Page Africa September 16, 2021 06:22 UTC