Abstract:
This research explores the knowledge and perceptions of the youth in Barangay 105 San Isidro, Tacloban City, regarding initiative and referendum as mechanisms of post-electoral participation. Grounded in Participatory Democracy Theory, this research emphasizes the importance of youth in maintaining democratic governance beyond just election periods. Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed-method approach, the study initially surveyed 349 youth using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire and next conducted an in-depth individual interviews to elaborate the quantitative results. Quantitative results revealed that while most respondents demonstrated basic awareness of their rights to participate in initiative and referendums, many lacked deeper understanding and practical knowledge about the processes involved. Perceptions were shaped by limited access to civic education, lack of information dissemination, and political disengagement. Nevertheless, qualitative findings suggested that the youth expressed a readiness to engage more actively if given appropriate education and institutional support. This research highlights the necessity for targeted civic initiatives and local policy efforts aimed at enhancing youth political engagement and promoting meaningful post-electoral participation through direct democratic methods. These insights provide practical implications for local government officials, educational institutions and agencies, as well as the youth themselves, in advancing youth empowerment within the democratic decision-making process.
Keywords: Initiative, referendum, post-electoral, participatory democracy theory
https://doi.org/10.65494/pinagpalapublishing.91
