Formal and informal engagement: Local citizen-state relations and participation in rural mayoral politics

• In Event: Citizen participation in subnational governments in Latin America

Abstract

A number of countries in the region now have formalized institutional mechanisms like participatory budgeting, transparency laws or mandatory town hall meetings, effectively requiring local government to engage with their citizens. However, particularly in countries with weak institutions, political engagement might continue to occur through more informal channels. What are the realities of political participation in subnational politics in rural Latin American municipalities? Drawing on an original survey conducted in 18 municipalities in the region of Cusco, Peru, this paper identifies concrete practices citizens use to engage with mayors and municipal governments to problem solve, advocate for change and oversee policy and performance. The results also provide new insights into broader questions such as how ordinary citizens view the roles and responsibilities of their mayors, and their expectations of government performance and accountability.

Author

• Julie Anne Weaver, Harvard University