temsiliyet

Temsiliyet is a term used in political science and Turkish discourse to describe the system or practice of representing citizens in collective decision-making. It denotes the relationship between constituents and those who exercise political authority on their behalf, typically through elections and elected bodies. In a representative democracy, temsiliyet legitimizes governance by authorizing representatives to deliberate, legislate, and oversee public affairs within a given mandate.

Mechanisms of temsiliyet include elections, political parties, and institutions such as parliaments or councils. Representation can be analyzed through several lenses: descriptive representation, where representatives resemble the electorate in demographic characteristics; substantive representation, focusing on pursuing citizens’ interests and preferences; mandate representation, in which representatives act according to voters’ instructions; and trustee representation, where representatives use their own judgment while remaining accountable.

The concept raises questions of accountability, legitimacy, and effectiveness. Proponents argue temsiliyet ensures governance by delegating complex decisions to elected representatives who can bring expertise and continuity. Critics point to potential divergence between representatives’ actions and voters’ wishes, information asymmetries, and risks of elite capture or reduced public participation.

In Turkish political discourse and comparative politics, temsiliyet is discussed in relation to how democracy functions, electoral systems, minority rights, and the balance between central authority and local autonomy. It serves as a general descriptor for how political power is transmitted from people to government and exercised through institutions designed to reflect public will.