Abstract

In the present article the author investigated the specificity of the participation of Ukrainian citizens in the political process during the democratic transition. A generalization of the multiple forms, types and models of political participation provides the opportunity to determine that the participation of citizens in political life can be realized in the voting, as the Central and the most popular aspect of political participation in democratic systems; participate in discussion of draft laws and political course of the country; personal contacts with politicians; letters to the state bodies and local authorities; participation in mass actions (meetings, demonstrations, strikes, picketing); participation in the campaign to collect signatures of supporters or opponents of a certain political line; participation in the activities of political parties, trade unions, public organizations. The citizens exercise influence over the political process is determined by specific mechanisms for ensuring the functioning of the Institute of political participation at different levels of the state. To regulation mechanisms of political participation include those political institutions and institutions that ensure the representation and protection of interests of citizens in the Supreme legislative, Executive and judicial bodies and participation in political decision­making. Accordingly, we must determine that such mechanisms are the electoral system, the organizational and legal bases of holding public actions and hearings, the activities of political parties and organizations, functioning of public councils created at the state bodies, legislative and Executive branches of government. In the article the author analyzes the practice of realization of political participation by the citizens of Ukraine and mechanisms that ensure this process. Retrospective analysis of electoral participation of citizens of Ukraine proves its gradual reduction. And the legislation governing the electoral process, during all years of independence is characterized by volatility and uncertainty certain problematic issues. Research of gender aspects of political participation and mechanisms that it is introduced that gives the opportunity to assert inadequate fulfillment of obligations by Ukraine on the issue of gender. The author proved inadequate legislative support, the discrepancy between the political and legal environment in the state challenges of civil society and democratic principles was the factor of growth of protest moods and actions for 2012­2013.