The political frameworks in place in a given context are key factors in determining at which level and to what extent participation can be demanded and realised. These frameworks may be conducive or constraining.

While in some countries the implementation of basic citizen and human rights are high on the political agenda, popular participation in complex political decision-making processes can often only be realised where democratic structures are at least partially operational and effective. Obstacles are often to be found on the side of the state structures. They may, however, emerge on the civil society side, too. Where barely any civil society exists, or where there is no tradition of NGOs, citizen participation proves difficult. Similarly problematic are situations where the civil society lacks technical capacities, where conflicting interests create deadlock, where the grass roots have no adequate voice, or where development work and party politics become intertwined.

On the state side, participation often comes up against obstacles or resistance as actors are forced to call into question their own actions, and relinquish decision-making power. Particularly difficult situations arise where oligarchic structures, corruption and repression prevail, where there is a lack of will to acknowledge the role of civil society, where tensions exist between the civil society and parliament, or where there is no financial scope to implement the results of a dialogue with civil society.

It goes without saying that, alongside the frameworks in place at the national level, international frameworks also come into play. And finally, both within and between countries there exist cultural differences that must be taken into account.

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Dr. Georg Stoll