ABSTRACT
I think it is useful to distinguish between two approaches to participatory governance; namely the conventional one, and what is called “Empowered Participatory Governance” (EPG). The latter is grounded in the theory and practice of consensus building in negotiation and mediation. It attempts to advance three general principles in the social sciences and democratic theory. They can be delineated as: focus on specific, tangible problems; involve of ordinary people who are affected by these problems as well as the officials that represent them; develop solutions.
