Democratic Process Research Articles

Contradictions and Challenges: University Teachers’ Views on Performance Evaluation Models in Portugal and Spain

Teacher performance evaluation is a key component of high performing quality assurance education systems. The main focus of the present paper is to examine how international trends in teacher evaluation policies determine teachers’ working conditions in different higher education contexts. A comparative study was implemented at two public universities of Southern Europe (Portugal and Spain), with the aim of elucidating university teachers’ perceptions regarding the current teacher evaluation model. To achieve this, we conducted 28 semi-structured interviews, employing a comparative approach in their design. The findings suggest that participants encounter discrepancies within the stated objectives of teacher performance evaluation in higher education. Such evaluation is perceived as an external imposition with a very poor democratic process, focusing mostly on the quantitative perspective and with uncertain consequences.

Does democracy stimulate remittances?

AbstractThe phenomenon of remittances is the subject of intense debate among politicians, researchers, and academics. This is because it touches on a multitude of human, economic, and financial aspects. This paper empirically investigates the empirical relationship between political systems and remittances in order to understand how changes in political systems in the home and host countries affect remittances. By using the gravity model of bilateral remittance flows for 101 sending countries and 92 developing receiving countries for the period 2010–2017. Findings indicate that strengthening democratic processes in countries of origin leads to more remittances. This result is most pronounced in low‐income countries. However, democracy in host countries has a negative effect on remittances. These findings are robust to the different techniques and specifications used. Strengthening democratic institutions in low‐income countries can attract more financial flows.

Artificial Intelligence and Media-politics: A Revolution in Communicative Dynamics?

This study aims to delve into communicative interactions within the realm of online politics, with a specific emphasis on the increasingly significant role of artificial intelligence (AI). In an era where digital technologies are radically transforming communication flows, the introduction of AI into political processes opens new prospects, but also presents numerous challenges. The research seeks to understand how these technologies are influencing political language and user engagement strategies, with profound repercussions on social and political dynamics. The methodology employed combines both qualitative and quantitative analysis. On the one hand, a qualitative analysis was conducted on AI-generated content within online political discussions, examining how this content influences political narratives and shape’s public opinion. On the other hand, a quantitative analysis evaluated the dynamics of engagement and interaction across various digital platforms, measuring the impact of AI on user behaviour and information dissemination. The findings of this research reveal that AI is not only transforming the language of politics but also altering the ways individuals participate in public debate. Artificial intelligences not only facilitate new forms of communication but can also influence power dynamics, either reinforcing or destabilizing existing structures. Based on these results, it is essential to balance technological innovation with the protection of democratic processes, ensuring that the use of AI is transparent, ethical, and oriented toward the common good. In conclusion, this contribution highlights the need for public debate and ongoing research on the social and political implications of AI, so that these technologies can positively contribute to the future of democracy.

Gender politics in Costa Rica: from descriptive to substantive representation

ABSTRACT Costa Rica is a democratic exemplar, having maintained a critical mass of female legislators over two decades and approached gender parity in political offices; thus, it is a useful context for examining theories of change for gender representation. We use process-tracing to track the evolution of descriptive representation and examine when and how critical actors affect the legislative process in Costa Rica. We evaluate the extent to which critical mass representation has advanced substantive gender representation—the adoption of legislation favorable to women’s interests—through case studies of the 2020 law on street sexual harassment, and the 2022 law on violence against women in politics. We find that greater descriptive representation provides a pivot point for substantive representation, although critical actors in the form of key legislators and women’s organizations provide the necessary agency for legislative successes. The case study contributes to both theories and methods for understanding how descriptive representation and substantive representation interact in the democratic legislative process.

Weak party system institutionalization and autocratization: evidence from Tunisia

ABSTRACT Why do party systems remain weak in transitioning countries in ways that can hamper the democratization process? We answer this question through a case study of Tunisia, which was the only success story of the Arab uprisings. Tunisia has experienced a process of autocratization since President Saied's presidential coup in 2021. Utilizing a historical institutionalist framework, we conducted interviews with 15 leaders from the major political parties. We find that, in contrast to conventional wisdom, the strong party institutionalization under authoritarian rule did not lead to an institutionalized party system after authoritarian rule ended. We attribute this dynamic to the inability of regime-successor parties to institutionalize, perpetuating democratic vulnerabilities inherited from authoritarian rule. We also find that too-powerful civil societies can be detrimental to transitions. The labour union, UGTT, acted as a de facto veto player and limited the ability of cabinets to implement reforms. Furthermore, leftist parties could not benefit from the UGTT's base. The 2011 revolution was a critical juncture that could have facilitated the establishment of an institutionalized party system. However, the political elite's institutional choices put additional challenges on parties. The weakness of the party system in turn contributed to President Saied's self-coup and dismantling of Tunisia's democratic institutions.

Higher Education and Citizen Skills

Purpose: Reflect on the importance and impact of citizenship competencies in higher education, taking into account various aspects in society and the world at a political, economic and social level. Methodology: The methodology of the article is based on the reflective qualitative method. Sánchez Silva (2005) defines it as follows: “The reflective tradition privileges values, norms and creates patterns of behavior that favor an analytical and critical attitude aimed at reviewing and evaluating ideas, assumptions, theories and conventional methods” (p.116). ). Furthermore, according to Edmund Husserl (cited by Menéndez, 2012), reflection is fundamental in phenomenology, being one of its main tasks to analyze experiences in an organized way. Results and Conclusions: The integration of citizenship competencies in higher education is essential to develop critical and reflective thinking skills in students, as well as deep awareness and social responsibility. Students not only learn to critically analyze and evaluate information, but also prepare to actively participate in civic and democratic life. This includes the ability to make informed decisions, value diversity and participate in democratic processes, which strengthens social cohesion and promotes more just and equitable communities. Implications: This research provides implications for educational and government policies to continue strengthening Citizen Competencies policies in higher education institutions. Originality/value: This research offers novelty by reflecting on how public policies impact citizen competencies in higher education.

RANCANG BANGUN APLIKASI MANAJEMEN SIMPATISAN SEBAGAI OPTIMALISASI PEMENANGAN PEMILU LEGISLATIF

In the effort to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of political campaigns for legislative elections, the development of information technology plays a critical role. This research focuses on designing and developing a supporter management application specifically tailored to assist legislative candidates in managing and analyzing their supporter data. The application is equipped with key features such as supporter registration, coordinator management across various administrative levels (RT, RW, District), automated WhatsApp messaging for direct communication and as a form of appreciation, and a quick count feature to facilitate vote tallying. Additionally, the application offers comprehensive data analysis capabilities, allowing legislative candidates to understand supporter characteristics based on various categories such as age, occupation, and education level. This analysis feature is crucial for formulating more effective and targeted campaign strategies. The development method employed is the waterfall method, which includes stages of requirements analysis, system design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. This application has been used by legislative candidates in the DPRD of Tangerang Regency in the 2024 local elections and has shown positive results by enhancing supporter engagement and loyalty through structured and systematic communication. The application is expected to be an effective and reliable tool in supporting legislative election campaign strategies, contributing significantly to a more transparent and participatory democratic process

Utilization of Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence Tools in the Election Campaign in the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Slovakia – Analysis of Case Studies

The article focuses on the issue of using artificial intelligence tools and algorithms in parliamentary election campaigns in Poland and Slovakia. In the first part of the article, the process of the conceptualization of the terms artificial intelligence and microtargeting was carried out. This was followed by an analysis of the legal conditions related to the use of artificial intelligence in election campaigns. The empirical part of the paper presents the results of the conducted research, presenting examples of the use of artificial intelligence in the 2023 parliamentary campaign. Campaigns in Poland and Slovakia were the subject of analysis. The main research question of the paper is as follows: how does artificial intelligence influence democratic processes in Poland and Slovakia? For the purposes of the paper, several research methods were used: institutional-legal analysis, comparative method and empirical research – analysis of content published on the Internet.

Enhancing Institutional Elections: A Case for Electronic Voting Systems at Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC)

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the possible advantages of establishing an EVS at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC). With an emphasis on increased voter trust, lower expenses, and increased efficiency, the research seeks to assess the viability and benefits of implementing an EVS for KIMC elections. Methodology: Using a case study methodology, this study will examine the material that has already been written about EVSs and interview important KIMC stakeholders to learn about their present voting procedures and difficulties. Findings: The system of voting ought to be fast in terms of casting votes as well as tallying to eliminate long queues and anxiety of voters waiting for result. System voting is more preferred choice as opposed to the use of papers and boxes. Ballots are more expensive since they are bought every time election is conducted. System voting is more comfortable and done at ease with fewer resources in terms of money and time. On other hand manual system is inefficient, insecure, incorrect and expensive. A need therefore arises to develop System voting to manage voting process efficiently and effectively. Electronic voting systems, or EVSs, present a strong substitute for conventional paper-based ballots, guaranteeing improved electoral efficiency, security, and transparency. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This research will contribute to the ongoing discussion on the role of EVSs in promoting democratic processes within institutions. The findings will provide valuable insights for KIMC administrators in making informed decisions regarding the adoption and implementation of an EVS. This study can inform policy discussions on the broader application of EVSs in Kenyan institutions.

Giving Voice: Examining the Tactical Repertoires of Nonprofit Advocacy for Disadvantaged Populations

Abstract Representation is an important role of the nonprofit sector as these organizations can give voice to the priorities of their constituents. This is particularly important for disadvantaged communities that may lack access to traditional democratic processes. What advocacy tactics are most utilized by nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged populations? Given variation in nonprofit advocacy tactics, which tactics are perceived as most effective? To answer these questions, we look to the framework of tactical repertoires from sociological studies of social movements. Analysis of a survey of New England nonprofits (N = 656, 55 % response rate) indicates that nonprofits serving disadvantaged populations use similar tactics to organizations advocating for other constituencies but employ them at higher rates. These tactics cluster into three tactical repertoires, each a different combination of advocacy tactics. Perceptions of advocacy effectiveness are associated with the size and nature of tactical repertoires, client participation in advocacy, government funding, and perceptions of the policy environment.

Penggunaan Tata Bahasa Netizen Dikolom Komentar Instragram Yang Membicarakan Tentang Pemilu 2024

Abstract This study aims to investigate the use of netizen grammar in the Instagram comment section discussing the 2024 Election issue, with a focus on language style, conversational patterns, and their impact on public opinion and the democratic process. Employing a qualitative approach, data for this research were collected through direct observation of netizen comments on Instagram. When netizens engage in communication about political issues like the 2024 Election, the grammar they use plays a crucial role in shaping how messages are conveyed and received. This study highlights several common grammar mistakes that may occur, such as spelling errors, improper punctuation usage, and the use of impolite language. For instance, the use of "hati2" instead of "hati-hati" and inconsistent capitalization in "Pak" when used in a context of respect. Analyzing these grammar errors not only aids in understanding how netizens communicate online but also demonstrates their potential impact on public opinion. For example, grammar mistakes can diminish the quality of the message conveyed and influence how it is perceived by readers. Through specific examples, such as errors in sentences expressing prayers for a candidate, this study illustrates how grammar mistakes can reduce communication effectiveness and lower the quality of online discussions. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of consistency in using formal language in political contexts. Formal language not only reflects politeness in communication but also strengthens public trust in the messages conveyed. Therefore, by improving understanding and practice of correct grammar, it is hoped that online political discussions can become more productive, meaningful, and constructive. The benefits of this research also extend to identifying grammar errors that can affect perceptions of political figures or issues discussed in the context of the 2024 Election. By gaining a better understanding of the dynamics of political communication on social media, it is also possible to enhance public participation in the democratic process. Overall, this study seeks to provide insights into how netizen grammar in Instagram comment sections can influence interactions and public opinions on sensitive political issues. Thus, this research is relevant not only to academics in linguistics and communication but also to political practitioners and the general public seeking a deeper understanding of social media's role in shaping political perceptions and participation.

Impoliteness Strategies In The Third Indonesia Presidential Debate 2024: Pragmatics Research

This research examines the impoliteness strategies employed during the third Indonesian Presidential Debate of 2024 from a pragmatic perspective. Using Jonathan Culpeper's theories of impoliteness (1996, 2011) as a theoretical framework, the research aims to identify and analyze the types of impoliteness strategies used by presidential candidates and determine their functions within the debate context. The research utilizes a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected from the Kompas TV YouTube channel's broadcast of the debate. The research focuses on identifying instances of bald-on-record impoliteness, positive impoliteness, negative impoliteness, sarcasm/mock politeness, and withhold politeness. Additionally, it examines whether these strategies serve affective, coercive, or entertaining functions. Preliminary analysis reveals the presence of four types of impoliteness strategies: bald-on-record, positive impoliteness, negative impoliteness, and sarcasm. Notably, bald-on-record impoliteness emerged as the most frequently used strategy, while no instances of withhold politeness were observed. The affective function was found to be the most prevalent, suggesting that candidates often employ impoliteness to express emotions and influence audience perceptions. This research contributes to the field of pragmatics by providing insights into language use in high-stakes political contexts. It also offers a deeper understanding of how impoliteness strategies can impact public perception and the democratic process in Indonesia. The findings may serve as a valuable resource for future studies on political discourse and communication strategies in presidential debates.

Popular Understandings and the Limits of Popular Democracy

ABSTRACT This essay focuses on how more democratic processes and more democratic participation are not in themselves good measures for a successful democratic order. Rather, whether more democratic participation is good depends on the type of knowledge the people actually bring to the political order. Increases in democratic participation are, thus, a misleading measure of democratic success. The crucial point is what sort of knowledge the people bring to democratic discourse. Furthermore, political and civic institutions play a key role in fostering and shaping public understandings. Here, I suggest that American institutions, while designed to help educate popular understandings by requiring the building of complex democratic majorities, have in many instances enabled the worst aspects of popular government, often empowering minority rule, rather than refining popular sentiment. Thus, American political institutions could engage in constitutional reform to recapture the balance between popular understandings and the constitutional institutions that help articulate, educate, and refine those understandings.

Unveiling the Enigma: Empowering Citizen Engagement in Decision-Making Deciphering Albania's Case

This article aims to fill the gap and analyze citizen involvement in developing and transitional democracy, focusing specifically on Albania, a country in the Western Balkans. The objective of this article is to examine the models, trends, obstacles and opportunities offered by citizen participation, as well as to evaluate the determinant factors and their impact on the transformative processes of democratization and the fragile development of Albania. The article explores the participation of citizens in the decision-making process, and their role in policy-making and democratic decision-making and tries to understand how citizens can be more actively involved in the decision-making process and how this involvement can increase the legitimacy and effectiveness of policies. In this study, we use qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze existing practices of citizen involvement in the decision-making process at different levels of local and central government. We focus on the tools and mechanisms that can be used to encourage the involvement of citizens in the decision-making process. The results of this study aim to provide recommendations for policymakers and practitioners at different levels of government to improve the involvement of citizens in the process of decision-making. In conclusion, through these recommendations, we aim to help increase transparency, responsibility and legitimacy of decision-making processes and create an environment where citizens feel involved and heard in decision-making that affects life. Received: 8 March 2024 / Accepted: 13 June 2024 / Published: 02 July 2024

Direct democracy and party behaviour in the Republic of Ireland: a campaign finance perspective

ABSTRACT Studies on the Irish referendum experience have generally accepted that political parties play a fundamental role in the direct democratic process. While this is rarely problematised, parties often campaign in referendums in order to steer them towards outcomes that are strategically beneficial. Contemporary research on Irish referendums has delved into how parties shape their campaigns to achieve these goals, but a more preliminary question is still to be addressed: to what extent do parties participate in referendum campaigns? This paper attempts to do so by examining campaign expenditure, which offers a concrete quantitative indicator for party engagement vis-à-vis referendums. Departing from theory on party behaviour and referendum instrumentalization, the article takes into account Irish regulations on campaign finance before offering a descriptive and explorative comparison of the expenditure of Irish political parties in recent referendum campaigns. Several patterns within the data are then discussed in light of potential influential factors identified in previous scholarly work. Results suggest that a referendum’s topic and its salience in the public sphere, as well as a party’s financial resources and government status, could explain party behaviour in Irish referendum campaigns, and a set of congruent hypotheses for future research are formulated in the conclusion.

Social participation in Anvisa's regulations: hybrid, colloquial, and scientific evidence for democratic decision-making.

Anvisa's public consultation (PC) is the most widely used social participation mechanism in current health regulations, which was based on antagonistic movements: the democratization of decision-making and State counter-reformation. Starting from the concept of social participation, defined as various actions from society related to public decision-making, which values diversity and the exercise of citizenship, the present article discusses the possibility of PCs configuring a democratic regulation process by considering popular beliefs and colloquial evidence, and promoting the creation of hybrid evidence in an evidence-moderated model. Despite the different interests, the PCs open the door to opportunities for democratic deliberation by society in the search of understanding, where it is expected that the State will make the best decision and justify it. In this sense, the role of evidence in clarifying complex issues is defined as a space where dissent, believed to democratize society, is important in revealing the limits of scientific evidence in an environment of information asymmetry. Finally, this article aims to refute technocracy as an instrument of power in health regulations, thereby achieving the greatest democratic potential of Anvisa's regulations.

Facing the Systemic Crisis: The Divide in Criticism of the Pandemic State of Emergency

Abstract: The article shows how criticism of states of emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic divides into two camps: one complaining about the restriction of democratic processes, the other about the restriction of individual rights. The analysis of this divide exposes the specificity of the pandemic crisis as one without an enemy and as systemic in character. It highlights three aspects of the crisis responses in Western societies: First, the transboundary nexus of (restricted) rights; second, the adherence to an implausible concept of enmity; third, the disjunction of democracy and rights in the context of an authoritarian understanding of freedom.

Promoting democratic values through civic education: A case of selected secondary schools in lusaka District, Zambia

Overview: Promoting democratic values through civic education is essential for fostering an informed and engaged citizenry capable of upholding democratic principles. Hence, this paper delves into the critical role of civic education in fostering democratic values within contemporary societies. The study was carried in Lusaka district from 6 selected secondary schools. Body of Knowledge: Civic education encompasses teaching the fundamentals of democracy, including the importance of individual rights, the rule of law, and the responsibilities of citizenship. Civic education serves as a counterbalance to authoritarian tendencies and political apathy by encouraging active and informed participation in public life. The analysis underscores the importance of early and continuous civic education to build a resilient democratic society that values diversity, equity, and justice. Methods: The study employed both the qualitative and quantitative methods and a descriptive survey design that sampled Head Teachers, Teachers of Civic Education, Community Members and students in Civic Education classes. The study consisted a sample of 300 respondents from the selected secondary schools. Data was obtained from the respondents by means of interviews and questionnaires. The qualitative data gathered was analyzed according to the themes of the study and the order of the research objectives. Data generated from the questionnaires (quantitative) were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26) and Microsoft Excel (version 16) to come up with tables, and figures. Results: The comprehensive analysis revealed that effective civic education programs are characterized by an inclusive curriculum that integrates critical thinking, discussion of current events, and hands-on participation in democratic processes. These programs aim to cultivate a sense of civic duty, political efficacy, and tolerance among students. Empirical studies indicated that well-designed civic education can significantly enhance students' knowledge of political systems, their skills in democratic participation, and their commitment to democratic values. Recommendation: The government should; collaborate with education authorities to enhance democratic ideals in civic education curriculum; and through the education standard officer and other stakeholders need to enhance professional development workshops for teachers of civic education to enable them effectively teach and practice democratic ideals as espoused in civic education.

Demokratisasi dan Media Massa di Indonesia

This research analyzes the role of mass media in the democratization process in Indonesia after the fall of the New Order in 1998. Using a literature study method, this research evaluates the role of mass media in disseminating information, facilitating public dialogue, and strengthening government accountability. Political reforms have allowed the media to report important issues more freely, contributing to government transparency and accountability. The mass media also serves as a platform for public discussion, helping the public understand national issues and become more critical voters. However, the mass media faces significant challenges, including intense competition among media channels, dependence on political and economic interests, and the risk of information manipulation. The research results show that despite these challenges, the mass media remains a vital element in promoting democratization in Indonesia by increasing public participation and political transparency. Steps to strengthen media integrity and professionalism, as well as media education for the public, are essential to ensure that the mass media can continue to play a role as a pillar of a healthy and sustainable democracy.

Economic Growth and Development of the Country through EVoting, Free and Fair Elections

Elections are an important means to elect the democratic governments for aspecific period to rule the country and work for the growth and development of thepeople. Voting, in this regard, is used as a tool in this democratic process. Thetraditional voting systems witnessed low turnout of masses, result delays, riggingand formation of handicap governments, litigation, protests and several otherproblems including high cost of this futile exercise. In this scenario, e-Voting(Electronic Voting) seems the ultimate solution to pull the county out of jeopardyand helps in the creation of popular governments duly elected by the majorityvotes of the masses. This study is an attempt to develop a solution model for allsuch countries, including Pakistan, where Elections are of paramount importance,but the outcomes of elections are compromised thereby resulting in weakdemocratic system which remains vulnerable and lacks popular support of massesin general.