What is Political participation? How does a citizen participate in politics?
Explanation
(a) Political participation involves a voluntary participation of individuals or citizens in the political activities of their country. It is a situation process where the citizens have the opportunity of electing their political leaders and taking part in the decision making in their country.
(b) The following are ways in which a citizen can participate in politics:
(i) Contesting elections: This is one form of political participation. The individual or a citizen can stand as a candidate for an elective post to represent his party.
(ii) Joining and belonging to political parties: The individual is actively involved in politics. He takes part in all activities e.g. campaigns, rallies, etc.
(iii) Holding of public offices: The citizen participates in politics by holding public office and this affords him the opportunity of contributing to the decision – making process of his country.
(iv) Sponsoring of political parties: A wealthy individual may not be active politically, but may sponsor a political party and this makes him participate politically.
(v) Partial participation: A citizen may be active politically by attending or taking part in political activities e.g. rallies, conventions, etc. Some also write on political issues in the newspapers.
(vi) Observatory posture: Here, the individual is an observer. He may not belong to any political party but may have interest in politics only by listening to discussions on political issues.
(vii) As a voter: Voting in elections makes an individual to be involved or to participate in politics.
(viii) As a polling agent: A citizen representing his party at the polls is actively involved in politics.
(ix) Demonstration: When citizens take part in demonstration on national issues, they participate in politics.