Teorijsko određenje političke participacije i njen značaj za razvoj demokratije u lokalnim zajednicama Bosne i Hercegovine
Theoretical Definition of Political Participation and its Importance for Development of Democracy in Local Communities in B&H

Summary/Abstract: Contemporary theory of participative democracy has developed in political thought in 1970-ies, especially after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Starting from the position of civil society as a key actor in democratic process, promoters of participative democracy criticize Western liberal-representative democracies, which rely on the free market, as well as social-democratic concepts of the “welfare state”. Promoting ideas of the individual freedom, autonomy and social justice, and relying on the early ideas of Toquille and Mill, participative democracy enhances the need for decentralization of the political power of the state and bigger citizens’ participation, which will not be based only on equal voting right, but also on opportunities for active participation of citizens in decision-making processes. Political participation of citizens in democratic societies is especially manifested in local communities, since citizens in local communities have immediate interest and the widest opportunities to participate in shaping and implementing public policies. Authorities in B&H have not created such an environment which would promote bigger citizens’ participation in shaping policies. Democratic transition of the B&H society and state is based on anti-liberal values. Individual freedom is inferior in comparison to freedom of ethnicity and elements of equality, social justice, citizens’ participation and civil society have been neglected. Shaping public policies in B&H, regardless of the level of decision-making, depends on bureaucratic political parties. State of Bosnia-Herzegovina, as part of the EU integration process, will have to, together with adjustment of the legal system to aquis communautaire, implement European standards regarding the role of civil society.

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