Democracy must be truly participatory from "summary" of Another World is Possible by David McNally
The idea that democracy must be truly participatory goes to the heart of the struggle for a more just and equitable world. It challenges the notion that democracy can be reduced to occasional trips to the ballot box, where we choose between a handful of pre-selected candidates. Instead, it insists that democracy must involve active engagement by ordinary people in the decisions that affect their lives. Participatory democracy recognizes that the power to make decisions cannot be monopolized by a small elite, whether political or economic. It insists that everyone has a right to have a say in the matters that shape their communities and societies. This means not only the right to vote, but also the right to be involved in the process of decision-making from start to finish. Moreover, participatory democracy rejects the idea that democracy is only about electing representatives to make decisions on our behalf. It recognizes that true democracy requires ongoing engagement and mobilization by ordinary people to hold those in power accountable and to push for policies that serve the interests of the many, not the few. In this sense, participatory democracy is not just a means to an end, but an end in itself. It is about creating a culture of participation and empowerment where every voice is heard and every person has a stake in shaping the world around them. It is about building a society where power is truly shared and where decisions are made in the interests of the common good.- The concept of participatory democracy challenges us to rethink our ideas about politics and power. It asks us to imagine a world where democracy is not just a slogan or a symbol, but a living, breathing reality that shapes every aspect of our lives. It calls on us to work together to create a world where another world is not only possible, but within our reach.
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