(1) Access to information: Access to information is the first, basic and important right which is underlying the whole process of participation. Whilst it means that the government informs the public about its plans and the types of documents it wants to adopt at the beginning of the process, it also highlights  the right of the public to have access to all information (e.g., drafts, comments and reasoning) throughout the process. The access to information is a right regulated in specific laws. While at this level there is no need for intensive interaction between the government and the public, the government should not apply measures which would prevent the public from receiving the information crucial for the process.

(2) Consultation: Consultation is a form of participation where the government invites the public to provide its opinion, comments, views and feed-back on a specific document. Whilst the issues on which the public is consulted are defined by the government, this process should also allow for the public to express opinion on other issues contained in the draft. Consultation can be organized with a broader group of participants from the public. It is a reactive way of participation – the public becomes involved because the government requests this. However, this is not to say that the public cannot request to be consulted. Indeed, it should act and remind the governmental bodies about the need to be asked to comment on laws which will affect them.

(3) Active engagement through dialogue and partnership: Active involvement (partnership) in law making means collaboration and jointly undertaken responsibilities at all stages of the decision-making process (agenda setting, issue identification, drafting, decision and implementation). It is the highest form of participation; it may be described as a situation where the representatives of the public share a seat at the table with the government representatives. The initiative can come from both the sides. Whilst there should be an agreement about the common goals of the process, those involved from the public should be able to retain their independence, and to advocate and campaign for the solutions which they want to see adopted. Dialogue is as an active form of participation. Indeed, dialogue is prerequisite for collaborative relationship. It requires “a two-way communication built on mutual interests and potentially shared objectives to ensure a regular exchange of views.” The dialogue is an underlying form of a collaboration which is built around a specific issue of interest and should lead to commonly agreed outcomes.