YOUR CHOICE YOUR VOICE
Public participation is a much-traversed topic. So why is it necessary to discussed again?
Because in the author’s view (and experience), it is one of the general citizen’s powerful tools that is not used – at all, not even optimally.
What is the purpose of Public Participation?
Once again, in my humble opinion, not for the man on the street to play politics – if that is your aim or your perception, you are wielding this powerful tool incorrectly. And it is then also no surprise that we are frustrated with the outcome of the process. I do not even want to mention to further personal interests or settle personal vendettas. Yet, I just did. So take note of the elephant in the room and align your own moral compasses accordingly.
If we looked at what the aim of the process is not, let us focus on the actual intention of this process – According to the generally principles of democracy, the aim of public participation is to influence decision-making processes, to ensure that official decisions reflect the “will of the people”. It is intended to strengthen democracy by bridging the gap between officials and their communities. To increase transparency. To foster trust. And to ensure accountability.
Public participation has numerous forms – whether it is through reacting to an invitation to comment on draft legislation, provide input on a proposed development or extension of an existing development, to provide input in local authority integrated development plans or proposed budgets, or participate in meetings organised by your local community or participate in civil organisations such as local business forums or rate payers’ associations or casting your votes in elections.
Yet, both parties to this process complain – civil society accuses authorities of hidden agendas or furthering party-political aspirations, of ignoring public concerns, of using it as a mere tick-box exercise to demonstrate that they are perceived to meet the minimum standard required by legislation. Authorities on the other hand accuse the public of apathy, or perceive civil input as a threat. And in this process, the valuable tool is lost.
What is clear is the following:
- The phrase participation implies action – you need to get up from your beach or deck chair, your comfy lazy-boy and go somewhere to provide your input. Nobody is under an obligation to beg you or collect your input – the invitation is in the public notice. Which also implies that you need to pay attention to local news and communication platforms. It might require from you to leave the comfort of your home and attend a meeting – if you are fortunate, you can attend the meeting online. But it still requires that you register and log on to the session. And open your mouth. Or put your hand to paper. Action is required. In extreme cases it may require from you to stand for hours in horrific weather conditions to cast your vote.
- Ensure that you are informed – verify the facts, not the rumors, the emotions or personal agendas.
- Never give up. Stay at it.
- It is a process – it therefore happens in a structured, organised manner according to set rules. Inform yourself about the rules of the process, because if you act outside of it, your voice won’t count.
- It is a relationship. You are part of it. So show up or lose out.
And if you fail to do the above, please stop complaining about ineffective government and making a noise and impede the others who want to take part in the process. And do not be surprised if you wake up in a world that you don’t like or don’t recognize.
Your voice. Your choice.
