POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF CITIZENS: ROLE AND PRINCIPLES OF ELECTIONS

Abstract

The article actualizes the need to develop effective mechanisms for conducting elections on the basis of democracy with the minimization of risks of violations and further improvement of the electoral system of Ukraine. The democratic principles of the election process were analyzed, in particular, the compliance of the elections with the principles of democracy. It is emphasized that the electoral system is an important component of the political regime, as it establishes the rules for the formation of government bodies, and also exerts a direct influence on the electoral process. It was found that elections are the main component of electoral systems. In turn, elections are a way of forming state authorities and empowering an official through the will of citizens. The main functions of elections are considered: articulation of the interests of various social groups; peaceful resolution of the conflict between political actors claiming power; legitimation of power structures; political socialization and mobilization of citizens. It was found that in most countries of the world the voter votes directly for the candidate (direct elections), and in some countries indirect elections are used. It has been found that the organizational and practical side of the election process is represented by the election procedure – measures of the state to organize and conduct elections. During the analysis, the election (pre-election) campaign was singled out, which is understood as the actions of the direct participants in the elections: nomination of candidates, development of pre-election programs, campaigning and other forms of work with the electorate. It was found that conducting modern election campaigns especially requires special research in the field of political marketing. The stages of the election process were considered. It was concluded that compliance with the general principles recognized by the world community will make it possible to give the elections a truly democratic character in our country.