What happens after a local referendum? The effect of direct democratic decision-making on protest intentions

Abstract

Proponents of direct democracy claim that participation in decision-making stimulates future engagement. However, there is also evidence showing that participation is lower in systems that provide comparatively more opportunities for direct democratic involvement. Hence, it is unclear whether direct democratic involvement promotes or discourages other forms of political participation. In this study, the relationship between direct democratic involvement and the intention for political protest is evaluated empirically, based on data that was gathered in the scope of a local referendum in Belgium. Unique two-wave panel data from before and after the referendum is complemented by qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with local policymakers and citizens. While the findings generally support the claim that direct democratic involvement fosters future participation, there is no indication that the relationship is mediated by political efficacy. Apparently, the theory of participatory democracy is also useful in societies that have little experience with direct democratic decision-making.

Ambitieuze en ambivalente vernieuwing van de lokale democratie in Nederland

“…Directe democratische participatie kan leiden tot actiever democratisch burgerschap. Op lokaal niveau zijn referenda vaak gericht op concrete en actuele thema's, hebben uitkomsten een directe invloed op de leefwereld van inwoners, en zijn kiezers vaak beter geïnformeerd (Kern, 2018;Oliver e.a., 2012). NICIS constateerde dat referenda de lokale democratie verlevendigden, besluiten kwalitatief konden verbeteren en bestuurders burgers -ook bij andere besluitenserieuzer namen (Peters & Van Stipdonk, 2016).…”