THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN THE PUBLIC POLICY PROCESS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Public participation in national administration is at the core of democratic government. In a democratic system, it is the duty of the government to create opportunities for citizens to participate appropriately in policy making and national administration as much as possible. Civil society has the role of stimulating people to become aware of how and why they should take part in the process of setting and managing public policies that have impact on national development and the quality of life of the people. The government sector needs to coordinate and work in agreement with the public to manage and solve problems in many areas at once- in the political, economic and social spheres. This is true both in normal time and under unusual circumstances, such as the covid-19 pandemic. The use of centralized power and force in time of crisis, without the participation of all parties involved, leads to inefficiency, delay, and lack of confidence in the government. Civil society needs to step in to offer assistance and aid to those affected by the crisis. The most suitable way forward is to promote public participation and cooperation between civil society and the government sector to manage unusual situations and lessen the burden. This will result in fewer mistakes.