This E-Paper examines participatory democracy in Southeast Asia at a critical historical moment marked by democratic backsliding, populism, and deepening polarization. While democratic ideals remain rhetorically valued, public trust in democratic institutions has eroded, particularly among young people who increasingly express openness to non-democratic governance under certain conditions. The author argues that this disillusionment stems from democracy’s perceived failure to deliver accountability, inclusion, and material improvements in everyday life.
The paper situates participatory democracy as a corrective to elite-dominated procedural democracy. It defines participatory democracy as sustained citizen engagement between elections, emphasizing access to information, consultation, dialogue, and shared decision-making. However, structural barriers such as electoralism, patronage politics, money politics, and inequality limit meaningful participation. In many Southeast Asian contexts, elections provide legitimacy without accountability, reinforcing elite power while narrowing civic space.
Through regional case studies from the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar, the paper illustrates both the historical strength and contemporary vulnerability of participatory democracy. Civil society organizations, student movements, and grassroots coalitions have repeatedly challenged authoritarianism and corruption, from People Power in the Philippines to student-led protests in Thailand and resistance movements in Myanmar. Yet these efforts are increasingly constrained by repression, surveillance, disinformation, militarization, and restrictive laws that deter participation and fragment civil society.
The paper concludes that participatory democracy is more essential than ever in confronting authoritarian tendencies and polarization. Strengthening participation requires protecting civic freedoms, countering disinformation, reforming institutions, and creating inclusive platforms that resonate with younger generations. Rather than abandoning democracy due to its shortcomings, the author calls for deepening it through participatory practices that restore accountability, rebuild trust, and enable citizens to actively shape political futures across Southeast Asia.
Key Takeaways
- Participatory democracy in Southeast Asia is under severe strain due to democratic backsliding, the rise of populism, shrinking civic space, and increasing political polarization across the region.
- Overemphasis on procedural democracy, particularly elections, has weakened meaningful citizen participation, allowing political and economic elites to dominate decision-making while marginalizing grassroots voices.
- Civil society organizations, youth movements, and social movements continue to play a critical role in defending democratic participation, but face repression through legal harassment, disinformation, militarization, and co-optation.
- Revitalizing participatory democracy requires expanding safe civic spaces, strengthening accountability institutions, countering disinformation, and reimagining inclusive participation beyond electoral cycles, especially for youth and marginalized groups
The E-Paper can be accessed from this link
