THE DELIBERATIVE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS AND THE 2011 ICELANDIC CONSTITUTION

Abstract

This study analyzes the relationship between the drafting process of the 2011 Icelandic Constitution and Jürgen Habermas's proposal for deliberative democracy. The deliberative democracy model advocates for the creation of spaces that enable citizens to seek consensus through rational and communicative discussions. In this context, the drafting process of the 2011 Icelandic Constitution reflects elements aligned with this proposal, emerging as a response to the 2008 political and economic crisis. This crisis, by exposing corruption in the banking system, triggered a strong popular mobilization for a new constitution, characterized by an unprecedented participatory process utilizing social media and digital tools. The problem examined is the extent to which this process aligns with Habermasian theory, given that, despite significant public participation, the final decision rested with a Constitutional Council. The article concludes that, although the process was inclusive and innovative, it exhibited limitations, such as centralized decision-making and barriers to full deliberative participation. The Icelandic case highlights the relevance of digital media in democracy while underscoring the need for education and digital inclusion to strengthen citizen engagement.