Participación ciudadana y democracia directa en municipios de Jalisco y Sinaloa, México, 2008-2018

Abstract

Abstract Citizen participation is analyzed through direct democracy mechanisms (plebiscite, referendum, popular consultation and ratification of mandate) in three municipalities of the states of Jalisco and Sinaloa, Mexico. Based on the relevant theoretical framework, six cases are analyzed, which are contrasted with the ladder of citizen participation developed by Arnstein and the cube of democracy developed by Fung. Subsequently, based on the theories of citizen participation and direct democracy, we determine the measure in which its activation has empowered society. The results show strong resistance of the ruling class to bottom up or citizen activation and attempted control, manipulation and mediation when the exercise comes from some burocracy or government body or top down.