Participatory democracy is a system of democracy that emphasises the broad participation of all members of a group or community in the collective taking of major decisions that affect their lives, rather than relying solely on elected representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This form of democracy seeks to maximise citizen involvement in political and social decision-making processes, often through direct participation in forums, assemblies, or other mechanisms that allow for collective deliberation and action. The aim of participatory democracy is to empower individuals and communities to have a greater say in shaping their own futures and to promote a more inclusive and responsive form of governance.