From Estrangement To Engagement: Information And Communication Technologies For Strong Democracy

Abstract

This research essay is a critical review and synthesis of extensive research on e-democracy (electronic democracy) as a means to strengthen the democratic relationship between citizens, their government and elected officials. E-democracy is founded on citizen participation in order to support legitimate representation in a democratic society. It is based on providing an online opportunity for citizens to obtain information about issues and express their position. The use of online feedback forms as a potential information and communication technologies (ICT) structure for e-democracy will be discussed. The advanced feedback forms highlighted in this research essay provide a means to use ICT to strengthen democracy by using presumptive arguments and practical reasoning. Advanced online feedback forms will be shown to strengthen democracy. The research findings are important in an era of general political disengagement by citizens. Online participation, through such means as advanced feedback forms, can facilitate citizen engagement to realize a strong democracy.