There are various methods of ensuring and allowing the participation of excluded groups in local governance. They fall under two broad categories: 1) promoting the representation of excluded groups in local government, including in leadership positions, and 2) promoting the participation of excluded groups in local meetings to discuss planning, budgeting and development projects. Within these categories, a range of formal and informal mechanisms and strategies have been attempted in various countries. This helpdesk research report focuses on examples from India, Uganda, Indonesia and Bangladesh.
The representation of excluded groups can be promoted through these formal mechanisms:
- Party list quota system
- Reserved seats for appointed representatives
- Reserved seats for elected representatives
- Separate institutions
While mechanisms to increase the participation of excluded groups in local meetings have had some success, much of the literature stresses that the participation of women and social disadvantaged groups is still weak. The literature recommends individually addressing people in invitations and making public announcements in areas that members of excluded groups frequent. There is also a need for capacity building and training workshops to allow excluded groups to properly participate in local governance meetings. In addition, the literature notes that the chair or facilitator selected must be able to encourage the presence and the active participation of excluded groups.
