Participatory Democracy in the Algerian Context:

Features and Trends

Fatma Lalaymia

 

Abstract: This article examines the Algerian experience in consolidating participatory democracy. It seeks to highlight the mechanisms of participatory democracy in the stages prior to its official adoption in the 2016 constitution. The article then reviews the features of this experience after the constitutional amendments of 2016 and 2020, focusing on the CapDel project that was implemented in a number of municipalities. The article also examines the trends in the Algerian experience of adopting participatory democracy mechanisms through the municipal project. The article concludes that the Algerian experience in the field of participatory democracy is still in its initial stages and has not yet reached a sufficient level of maturity. Despite the apparent features of participatory work since the adoption of the 1963 constitution, several challenges have impeded its development and promotion within Algerian society. The study recommends exploring the adoption of a special model of participatory democracy that is consistent with the principles of the State, with reference to the Algerian historical heritage in this field.