Deliberative democracy for members of parliament

This guide is designed to support the needs of elected representatives and their advisors who would like to strengthen how elected politicians engage with their voters.

It provides decision-makers with an introduction to concepts of deliberative democracy, good practices and some lessons learned.

The first section examines what deliberative democracy is and is not and why parliamentarians and decision-makers at large should consider this innovative process.

In the second section, the guide sets out the essential principles that need to be taken into account when embarking on a deliberative democracy process.

The third section explores ten case studies from local deliberative democracy processes in Africa, Australia, Europe and Latin America, including examples from climate assemblies and climate or environment-related deliberative processes.

The final section of the guide reviews how deliberative processes can be initiated and supported by parliaments, parliamentary committees and members of parliament, and in particular what issues should be taken into account at every step of the process. Finally, the guide offers links to many useful resources.

Source: Westminster Foundation for Democracy and newDemocracy
Author information: Lyn Carson, Iain Walker, Julia Keutgen

Year of publication: 2021