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.