Participatory democracy as a tool for ensuring the publicity of the constitutional process in Ukraine.

Abstract

The role of participatory democracy as a tool for ensuring the publicity of the constitutional process in Ukraine in the context of contemporary challenges, in particular martial law, European integration aspirations, and hybrid threats, has been studied. The problem statement is conditioned by the need to increase the transparency, inclusiveness, and legitimacy of constitutional reforms by involving citizens in their development, discussion, and adoption. It has been demonstrated that participatory democracy, which includes public consultations, electronic petitions, citizens' assemblies, and digital platforms, has significant potential to strengthen trust in the constitutional process, but faces limitations such as low civic engagement, insufficient institutional support, uneven access to participation across regions, and the influence of disinformation.

The article aims to identify mechanisms for using participatory democracy to ensure the publicity of the constitutional process, strengthen its legitimacy, and counter hybrid threats. The study reveals the potential of digital tools such as the Diya platform, public hearings, and citizens' assemblies, but highlights the challenges associated with the lack of a legal framework, low civic education, and security risks.

A set of measures to improve policy is proposed, including the creation of coordination mechanisms, the development of digital platforms, the strengthening of civic education, and the adaptation of international experience. It is emphasized that the effectiveness of participatory democracy depends on the integration of local initiatives with national priorities, and the prospects for further research are related to the analysis of the role of digital technologies, post-war recovery, and international practices in improving the constitutional process.