Comparing Processes of Direct Democracy

Abstract

Processes of direct democracy (PoDD) such as referenda, plebiscites and popular initiatives are increasingly in use, both in the South and in the North. This panel convenes research on PoDD, which may address, among other issues, the following: (1) Institutionalization of PoDD; (2) PoDD and their implications on the political culture; (3) PoDD and their relationships with mechanisms of representation; (4) PoDD and the role of political parties and other political organizations; (5) PoDD and fiscal implications, such as feedbacks via changes in tax levels due to specific decisions made processes of direct democracy; (6) PoDD, their design and technical implementation; (7) PoDD and the role of the media; (8) Comparing PoDD with institutional innovations such as the participatory budgeting, councils and conferences in the above mentioned dimensions Contributions to this panel may be presented in the form of theoretical considerations, comparative analysis or in-depth case studies. Preference will be given to papers, which incorporate a comparative perspective and advance the theoretical thinking of PoDD. Overall, contributions shall address how and to what extent processes of direct democracy impact the quality of democracy and how the North and the South can learn from each other’s experiences with these institutions.

Title	Details
More Direct Democracy via Direct Democracy? The Expansion of Popular Initiatives in the German Länder	View Paper Details
How to lose a plebiscite and how to win it. Direct democracy in Africa	View Paper Details
Deliberation and Decision in Direct Democracy: The Normative Deliberative Ends and the Discursive Dilemma	View Paper Details
Popular rights and demonstrations	View Paper Details
Transformation of political processes in local Government in Germany through referenda	View Paper Details