How to guarantee citizen participation in a horizontal government?

Guaranteeing citizen participation in the transition towards a horizontal government in Ecuador requires an approach of different strategies and mechanisms to involve citizens.

Here are some key steps to encourage citizen participation in Ecuador:

Transparent communication channels

Establish transparent communication channels to disseminate information about government activities, policies, and decisions. This can include regular newsletters, public announcements, and a specific website or online platform where citizens can easily access information.

Consultations and public forums

Organize consultations and public forums to give citizens the opportunity to express their opinions, concerns and suggestions on important issues. These events can be held in person or online to accommodate a large and diverse population.

citizen advisory boards

Establish citizen advisory boards or committees that represent different sectors of society. These boards can provide valuable ideas and recommendations to the government on various issues, ensuring that citizens' perspectives are taken into account.

participatory budgets

Implement participatory budgeting, which allows citizens to participate directly in the decision-making process on the allocation of public funds. This approach allows residents to propose and prioritize projects or programs that address their needs and priorities.

Digital participation tools

Use digital platforms and tools to involve citizens who cannot attend face-to-face meetings. Online surveys, crowdsourcing platforms, and interactive feedback mechanisms can facilitate broad participation and gather diverse perspectives.

Civic education and awareness

Conduct civic education campaigns so that citizens better understand government processes, their rights, and the importance of their participation. Promote awareness through workshops, public events, and educational programs at schools and community centers.

Open data and transparency

Make government data and information available to the public in open and accessible formats. This allows citizens to analyze and scrutinize government activities, fostering transparency and accountability.

Collaboration with civil society organizations

Collaborate with civil society organizations, non-profit groups and community associations to mobilize and engage citizens. These organizations often have established networks and resources that can facilitate citizen participation.

Inclusive decision making

Ensure that decision-making processes are inclusive and representative. Seek diverse input from marginalized communities, underrepresented groups, and vulnerable populations to avoid excluding any voice.

Periodic evaluation and feedback

Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of citizen participation initiatives and gather the opinions of the participants. Adapt and improve strategies based on this feedback to improve engagement and ownership.


It is important to recognize that citizen participation is an ongoing process that requires government commitment, flexibility, and responsiveness. By applying these measures and fostering a culture of engagement, a horizontal government can effectively involve citizens in decision-making processes and promote a more inclusive and democratic society.