The development of information technologies put the reform of the political systems on the global agenda. The principles of representative democracy gradually become obsolete, since they already fulfilled their functions. What is the main meaning of representative bodies of power in the form of parliaments or different assemblies? The elected deputies express the point of view of different social strata, regions, and ideologies regarding the proposed laws and make legislative decisions. However, information technologies can say to parliaments that their time is up.
Alternative Vision of Democracy Based on IT
Mediation in the form of elected deputies was necessary at a time when it was technically impossible to know the opinion of every citizen on a particular issue. Voters gave orders to their representatives, who were supposed to defend their interests in parliament. Of course, in reality, this principle was often not respected, and the deputies frequently defended their selfish interests or the interests of their narrow social group.
Supporters of digital democracy say that today all the conditions are ripe for getting the opinions of every citizen when making vital decisions. To do this a person needs only the following:
- a stable Internet connection
- the necessary software or access to the secured website
- an individual ID, according to which each citizen can take part in the vote
What Hinders the Introduction of Digital Democracy
This form of democracy is very promising, however, its implementation to date has been very cautious and very fragmented. This is primarily due to the following factors:
- The reluctance of a narrow group of people in power to share it with the entire population.
- A common belief that the average person is unable to deal with complex issues in the field of law, economics, international relations, etc.
- The revolutionary nature of such reforms. If democracy with universal suffrage on bills is adopted instantly and without preliminary preparation, this could plunge the country into chaos. The desire to change the basic foundations of social life can simply undermine its foundation.
Struggles of Digital Democracy
In the age of digital life, IT has provided us with awesome technologies and solutions. But it also has some weak points that don’t allow digital democracy to be fully applied. Let’s discuss a few of them:
- Lack of Digital Literacy
One of the main concerns about IT-driven democracy is the digital divide. Many people have learned how to use Internet technologies, but others still lack access to digital tools and the skills to navigate them professionally. It’s almost impossible for them to vote online.
- Keeping Your Secrets Online
The online world can be an unsafe place, and hackers sneak around to find and use unprotected data. That’s why governments work hard and develop strict rules to keep our private information private.
- Fake News
Fake news is like an infection — it spreads fast and makes everyone uneasy. Digital democracy cannot work effectively until people get better at checking out facts and making sure they are not falling for lies.
- Safe Online Voting
The only way to make digital democracy effective is to secure the voting process. Voting from couches sounds cool, but people want to be sure it’s safe and reliable. That’s when issue management software like https://elsitech.com/ comes in. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of voting processes during elections.
Top Countries that Apply Digital Democracy
Some countries are using the tech scene in politics. Estonia, South Korea, and Switzerland are the professionals who’ve figured out how to use tech to make democracy even better.
Estonia, as the trailblazer of e-residency, is renowned for its cutting-edge digital governance. They provide e-residency options to citizens, giving access to Estonian digital services and, thus, enabling remote business ventures.
Switzerland, while preserving its rich tradition of direct democracy, has adeptly incorporated digital tools into its voting and referendum systems, simplifying citizen participation.
South Korea’s government also prioritizes a tech-powered democracy. It uses the system of online petitions and digital meetings to enhance citizen engagement in digital democracy.
However, no matter how harshly the supporters of traditional forms of democracy try to preserve them, they will hardly succeed in the future. This is evidenced by the growth of social movements wishing to influence state decisions, and regular parliamentary crises in many countries. Technology Report https://techreport.ngo closely monitors attempts to introduce elements of digital democracy in various countries. This form of the political system increases the involvement of citizens in decision-making processes, and thus brings humanity even closer to the essence of a democratic system.