Highlight five roles civil society can play in promoting popular participation.

Answer Details

Five roles civil society can play in promoting popular participation

1. Civic and voter education: Civil society organisations enlighten citizens on their rights, duties and the electoral process, encouraging them to register and vote.
2. Mobilisation of citizens: They mobilise and encourage people, including women and youth, to take active part in politics, community affairs and decision-making.
3. Monitoring elections and government: They observe elections, expose malpractice and hold government accountable, thereby building public confidence in participation.
4. Advocacy and defence of rights: They campaign for good governance, defend the rights of citizens and press for policies that reflect the wishes of the people.
5. Providing a platform for expression: They give citizens channels through which to express their views, present demands to government and influence public policy.