ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (CSO’S) IN THE ROMANIAN DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES
ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (CSO’S) IN THE ROMANIAN DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES

Summary/Abstract: Does civil society in Romania promote democratization? This paper sought to contribute to the debate on the role of civil society in the democratization process in Romania. The study also analysed the constraints of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in their efforts to promote democratisation. The paper made use of role theory to demonstrate how CSOs participate in the democratic process. The study made use of qualitative research from which extensive related literature was used. Data was analysed using content analysis. Research findings established that the activities played by CSOs in promoting and sustaining democratic governance cannot be ignored or taken for granted. The study presented that CSOs seek to promote accountability and transparency in government practices and fight against corruption. The study concludes that CSOs have contributed towards democratic practices. However, CSOs are suffering from an enabling environment to effectively carry out their mandate in promoting the democratisation process. The paper concludes that undemocratic practices such as corruption continue to limit the effectiveness of CSOs. The study recommends that, while CSOs continue to promote the democratization process, the government should not feel threatened by the activities of CSOs, instead should promote an enabling environment for them to promote principles of democracy.

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