City councils in participation in local governments: The example of Malatya city council

Participation is ensuring that relevant parties are included in all processes, including decisions taken in the administration and the implementation of decisions. As in many areas, participation is given great importance in the field of local government. By participating in local administrations, the democratic governance approach is realized and the demands of citizens are tried to be fulfilled. One of the most important methods that ensure participation in local administrations is city councils. City councils emerge as effective participation mechanisms that ensure the active participation of many parties, especially public institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and citizens at the local level. City councils are one of the most important tools that ensure the implementation of local democracy. Voluntary participation is carried out in these councils and important work is carried out to implement many projects. The main purpose of this study is to reveal the extent to which the basic goal of city councils that ensure participation in local administrations is achieved and their contribution to democracy. In this context, Malatya City Council is considered as an example city council and suggestions are made within the framework of the findings.