Representative outcomes through citizen consultative meetings: A study of Kampala, Uganda
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Humphreys-et-al-2020-policy-brief.pdf
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- Deliberative processes are widely used across developed and developing countries. Despite this, there is limited evidence of their equitability and inclusiveness.
- The authors partnered with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to examine the extent to which participatory approaches can really reflect the views of citizens.
- 188 small-scale consultative meetings were organised with citizens to discuss their preferences service delivery and accountability as part of the development of a ‘Citizens’ Charter’. As part of this, the authors randomised whether facilitators come from KCCA or from an outside organisation.
- Firstly, the authors find there is only a small difference between the policy priorities of citizens and local bureaucrats. Secondly, while specific facilitators can influence discussions, this does not systematically bias consultations towards particular socio-economic groups. Thirdly, although there is inequality in engagement, this does not translate into specific groups of citizens getting their preferred outcome in the meetings.
- The findings suggest that such meetings can be effective as a vehicle for representative consultations, although vigilance is required to ensure participation by more marginalised citizens.