Citizen voice and participation in local governance: Perspectives from Nicaragua

Abstract

This article examines the case for the opening up of new spaces for citizen voice in local governance, through synergy between political party leaders and social movement leaders. Through case study evidence from two municipalities in Nicaragua, it is found that where the relationship between political party and social movement leaders has been very close, the potential for disadvantaged citizens to have voice in local governance is diminished. A key factor that emerges is that citizens should have unmediated access to such new arrangements for local governance, with social movements and political parties playing a facilitative role.