PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY AS AN INSTITUTE OF LOCAL AUTHORITY

Abstract

The article defines the essence and principles of the functioning of participatory democracy as an important institution of local self-government in modern conditions. It is substantiated that various forms of public participation ensure true democracy in the processes of exercising power. Without such participation, there is a real threat of political alienation. The fact of the crisis of the system of representative democracy is proven. The state of the crisis is explained by the fact that after the elections, authorities remain uncontrolled during their activities. Therefore, the issue of public control over them is quite relevant. Such control can be ensured through various forms of public participation. The key principles of participatory democracy are determined, in particular, feedback, transparency, respect for human rights, social cohesion. A thorough analysis of the recommended practice of civic participation in the political process developed by the European Union and the Council of Europe is made. Such attention by European institutions emphasizes its importance in ensuring true democracy at the local level. The distinction between the concepts of “direct democracy” and “participatory democracy” is made. The structure of participatory democracy is examined and analyzed in detail. The main forms of public participation are identified, in particular, general meetings of residents of territorial communities, local initiatives of citizens, reporting by deputies and officials of local self-government bodies and citizens’ appeals to them with personal and public issues, the activities of public committees under local government bodies, the activities of public self-organization bodies. The key advantages of these forms are substantiated, which consist in ensuring constant interaction between the public and the authorities with the performance of advisory and control functions. The need for constant improvement of the practical implementation of the above mechanisms is clarified. The improvement is associated with the use of modern information and communication technologies in this process. Their use significantly increases the efficiency and effectiveness of public participation. The principles of the functioning of participatory democracy within the framework of the e-democracy system are determined.