Can the claim to foster broad participation hinder deliberation?

This article presents a case study of one of the state Legislatures in Brazil, which has become renowned for promoting several participatory experiments. These newly designed initiatives have changed dramatically some of the procedures of the institution, and have enabled the effective political participation of thousands of civil society actors. However, the claim of fostering broad participation has often led to several shortcomings as regards the possibility of deliberation, as well as of actual participation. In order to develop this argument, the researchers: (1) observed mini-publics held at the institution during the second semester of 2011; and (2) conducted 70 interviews and 4 focus groups (with public servants, deputies and participants). The qualitative analysis of this material has been organized in five sections: selection and mobilization of participants; exchange of ideas; interconnection of discursive arenas; effectiveness; use of information and communication technology.