Article 3 – Participation in Political and Civic Life
1. The Signatory recognizes that the right of citizens to participate in the conduct of public affairs is a fundamental democratic principle, and that women and men have the right to participate equally in the governance and public life of their region, municipality, and local community.
2. In relation to the different forms of public participation in its own affairs, for example via advisory committees, neighbourhood councils, eparticipation or participatory planning exercises, the Signatory commits itself to ensure that women and men are able to participate equally in practice. Where existing means of participation do not lead to such equality, it undertakes to develop and test new methods.
3. The Signatory undertakes to promote the active participation in its political and civic life of women and men from all sections of the community, in particular of women and men from minority groups who may otherwise be excluded.
