International Journal of Political Science and Development
 

International Journal of Political Science and Development

Vol. 3(10), pp. 405–415, October, 2015.  

DOI: 10.14662/IJPSD2015.052

ISSN: 2360-784X

Research Paper

Citizen Participation, Mobilisation and Contested Participatory Spaces

Jephias Mapuva

Bindura University of Science Education, Department of Geography (Development Studies stream)

Astra Campus, P.O. Box 1020, Bindura-ZIMBABWE. Email: mapuva@gmail.com

Accepted 13 November 2015

Mobilisation of public opinion and citizen participation in contested spaces has created controversy within the participatory paradigm. Where there is no consensus, mobilization can take the form of contestation. Contestation in public spaces usually court controversy or protestation. Constitutions and attendant policy and regulatory frameworks have sought to incorporate public opinion on issues that affect public affairs. However, citizens have, through local initiatives, created space for their own participation, especially in governance processes. Contested spaces of participation such as ‘invented’ spaces are identified as necessary initiatives prompting participation. This paper provides a normative framework for enhanced participation and explores alternative avenues or spaces for participation.

Key Word: Citizens, Participation, Mobilisation, Contested, Public Spaces, Invented Spaces, Invited Spaces.

 

Cite This Article As: Mapuva J (2015). Citizen Participation, Mobilisation and Contested Participatory Spaces. Inter. J. Polit. Sci. Develop. 3(10): 405-415

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