Governança participativa em Moçambique: dinâmicas do envolvimento dos cidadãos na gestão municípal na cidade de Xai-Xai

Abstract

In this paper we discuss about the institutionalization of social participation scopes and the citizens' involvement with the municipalities in Mozambique. e aim of this work is to analyze the participatory governance mechanisms designed for the municipal management and their implications in the decision-making process of local public policies. is study is important because it delves into the fundamental issues of democratizing the public administration and examines the civil society as a relevant political actor. We conducted a case study regarding the experiences that were embraced in the city of Xai-Xai. e research is characterized as qualitative, descriptive and interpretative. It was developed through interviews and documents that were submitted to content analysis. e results show the establishment of local councils as the main form of implemented citizen participation. However, the set of distinctive practices that was adopted in Xai-Xai has flaws in its structure of representation and in its functioning, which can compromise the social interaction and democratic management process.