Citizens’ assemblies could strengthen public participation: Alberts
The role of citizens in a democracy should extend beyond voting every five years.
Citizens should have a more significant role in democracy than just voting every five years, according to researcher Kira Alberts. She emphasizes the potential of citizens' assemblies for deeper public involvement. A pilot assembly in Cape Town is currently engaging ordinary South Africans in shaping decisions that affect their communities.
Alberts explains that these assemblies bring together a representative sample of the local population for six sessions to deliberate on a specific topic. Participants are educated on the subject, share experiences, and deliberate to deliver recommendations to the local authority. This method ensures that no voices are left out by stratifying participants based on gender, race, and geographic location.
As election day approaches, the IEC has urged eligible voters to utilize the remaining time to vote, assuring those in line by the deadline will still be permitted to cast their ballots.
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