The body set up to address the public's negative view of politics has added four members to its board.
The Democracy Commission, an independent body set up in response to widespread concerns about the relevance of political institutions has appointed Ms Ruth Barrington, senior public servant, Mr Tony Kennedy, chief executive of Co-operation Ireland, Mr Mark Mortell, director of Fleishman-Hillard Saunders, Ms Caroline Wilson, of Belfast City Council.
In welcoming the new commissioners, Mr David Begg, chairman of the commission, said "these new members give the Commission additional breadth of experience and diversity that will enhance its work in the coming months".
Mr Begg said the Commission is examining voter apathy and the reasons behind the lower turnouts among certain groups and in certain areas. "The upcoming local and European elections will give us the opportunity to promote dialogue and discussion on the issue," he added.
The commission is a joint initiative of TASC - a think tank for action for social change, based in Dublin and Democratic Dialogue, based in Belfast. .