Studies highlight latent conflict behind different concepts of democratic equality

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Studies highlight latent

conf‌lict behind dif‌ferent

concepts of democratic

equality

Whilst democratic consultation is increasingly viewed as a way to improve our democracies,

the question of how to use it fairly is still tormenting stakeholders. eUNREP project

brings about interesting insights into equal and unequal representation.

Democratic participation, and particularly referendums, have

never been so intensely debated. Is such direct involvement

in decision-making really good for democracy? Are all citizens

equipped to understand the issues at hand especially in a con-

text of growing misinformation campaigns? Should everyone

have a say in matters they are not necessarily impacted by?

Of all the questions facing policy-makers, the UNREP (Who

Should Have a Say? Preferences for Unequal Representation)

project focused on the latter by studying the factors shaping

citizen reactions to democratic consultations, and more specifi-

cally their stances on equal representation. In Europe in 2016,

the Brexit referendum might have made a perfect case study.

CORDIS Results Pack on elections and democratic participation

Understanding turbulent political times through innovative EU-funded research