Abstract
The terms “participation” and “engagement” have a minor difference in meaning, but in this book, they are used interchangeably. Engagement refers to actively participating and sharing suggestions and thoughts, whereas participation can be just sitting in a meeting without an exchange of views. There are two ways for citizens to interact with the government, share their concerns and thoughts, or receive a government service: direct interaction and indirect interaction. Citizens can directly interact with government organizations and share with them thoughts and problems themselves by directly meeting with government officials or communicating with them. Alternatively, citizens could get their work done indirectly through the legislature, provincial councils, tribal or village leaders and elders as well as religious scholars (mullahs). Citizens would generally prefer direct interaction with local government offices and solve their minor issues and problems without getting assistance from others. However, the authoritative attitude of the government officers often compels applicants to seek the assistance of the legislature and tribal elders even for minor issues. Sometimes, access to members of the legislature and provincial council is also limited because of their busy schedules and strict security measures applied.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
- 1.
The dictionary describes it as the action of taking part in something.
- 2.
The dictionary describes it as an arrangement to do something at a fixed time.
- 3.
During the monarchy, the government was led by a prime minister appointed by the king, and the cabinet was appointed by the prime minister; together, they had to earn a vote of confidence from the parliament elected by the people.
- 4.
During the Soviet-backed Afghan government, the socialist party brought in people of their choice into the parliament that had little contact with constituencies in the provinces. In the present regime, the election commission is appointed by the president, and the people with influence and money can easily maneuver through the system.
- 5.
“Afghan Election: Taliban ‘Removed Voters’ Fingers’”, BBC, last accessed 16 August 2016, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27857343
- 6.
The demonstration was organized by the Hazara tribal leaders against government plans to install the heavy power gridline through the Salang valley, whereas the Hazara people wanted it through the central highlands. “Afghan Capital Locked Down for Large Minority Hazara Rally”, Daily Mail, last accessed 18 August 2016, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-3592258/Afghan-capital-locked-ethnic-demonstration.html
- 7.
Canada’s Supreme Audit Office: http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/admin_e_670.html
- 8.
Afghanistan’s Supreme Audit Office: www.sao.gov.af
- 9.
A case study of community-based monitoring by IWA: http://www.integrityaction.org/sites/www.integrityaction.org/files/case-studies/IWA_Road.pdf
Bibliography
Daily Mail. 2014. News. Retrieved May 1, 2016, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2658596/Taliban-slices-11-peoples-fingers-punishment-voting-Afghanistans-presidential-election.html
Rohi. 2016. Retrieved March 4, 2016, from Rohi. http://www.rohi.af/mobile/fullstory.php?id=43463, February 3.
Wellman, Phillip Walter. 2016. Stars and Stripes. Retrieved May 1, 2016, from http://www.stripes.com/news/survey-afghan-voters-to-snub-parliamentary-elections-1.404256, April 13.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Najimi, B. (2018). Public Participation Mechanisms and Challenges. In: Gender and Public Participation in Afghanistan. Palgrave Pivot, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74977-8_4
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74977-8_4
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Pivot, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-74976-1
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-74977-8
eBook Packages: Political Science and International StudiesPolitical Science and International Studies (R0)