The Relationship of Civil Society with Politics and Decision Mechanisms Research

Politics and civil society do not know each other well enough
One of the most important results of the survey: the finding that politics and civil society do not know each other well enough. When defining civil society and its function, political actors make an assessment based on the institutions or visible structures they have dealt with so far. However, politicians tend to view civil society only as the demanding party. This leads politicians to distance themselves from civil society. Generally, politicians either treat the dialogue they have established with civil society as they establish it with constituents, or they establish it by meeting in specific conflict areas. When civil society organisations come into contact with politicians, they refrain from engaging in politics and try to establish a dialogue with all parties on an equal footing.

Politics, like the civic sphere, has narrowed
Another important finding of the research is that the stakeholders interviewed noted that politics, like the civic sphere, is shrinking. In other words, it is becoming increasingly difficult to work in the political sphere. Political parties, like civil society organisations, have problems with freedom of expression and association, and in many provinces they cannot take to the streets. As a result, the social impact of politics is diminishing. It is apparent that polarisation is taking place not only in the civic sphere, but also in the political sphere.

If the autonomy of civil society is guaranteed, its relationship with politics and decision-making mechanisms can be established better
There is a strong consensus that civil society must be independent of its resources. There is a prevailing view that civil society can become more independent and impartial if CSOs are financially supported by the public administration in a fair and independent manner. However, there is also a view that if civil society has an autonomous and independent structure, politicians can become more open to dialogue.

Among the solution proposals produced in response to the question of how to have an effective dialogue between civil society and politicians, the need for legal regulation of the participation of politicians and civil society in decision-making is prominent. However, civil society is expected to communicate with politicians in a deliberative language.