E-democracy

E-democracy (a combination of the words electronic and democracy) incorporates 21st-century information and communications technology to promote democracy. That means a form of government in which all adult citizens are presumed to be eligible to participate equally in the proposal, development, and creation of laws.[1] E-democracy encompasses social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination. History[edit] During the 20th century democratic participation was frequently restricted to a wealthy clique that was periodically selected via the election of delegates from political parties which had developed a manifesto. Virtual social networks matured at the beginning of the 21st century, enabling the emergence of flashmobs. Application[edit] E-democracy can be applied within the political processes of local communities, states/regions, nations and on the global stage Tools and types[edit] Practical issues[edit] Citizens' roles[edit]

The role of civil society in decentralisation and alleviating poverty: an exploratory case study from Tanzania In many developing countries decentralisation efforts have been planned and implemented as a means to improve service delivery to all citizens, to increase citizen participation, and to improve good governance at the sub-national level. However, until recently, poverty reduction has not been a central feature of decentralisation measures until recently. Donors have begun to realise the importance and value of non-state actors in improving the effectiveness of the state in this area. This paper examines the relations between the concepts of decentralisation, poverty alleviation and civil society, and recent policy developments in the context of Tanzania. The paper notes the following: Tanzania has a five level governance system including village, ward, district, region and central levels.

Can hyperlocal social networks help a municipality to provide better services? by Olena Ursu I first met Oleg Levchenko, executive director of the civil society organization, Podillya Agency for Regional Development, during aconference on smart cities, organized by UNDP in Ukraine the municipality of Vinnytsya last year. The challenge: I was impressed by Oleg’s passion and commitment, and that’s also when I first heard his concerns about citizens who were very ready to complain about their problems and who expected these problems to be solved by the authorities. He called for a new approach to change the nature of citizen engagement in local decision-making – he wants citizens to help come up with solutions to community problems, and for them to help carry out the solutions too. Oleg Levchenko presents e-governance and e-democracy tools aimed at improving municipal governance in Vinnytsya (in Ukrainian) The idea is to have a hyperlocal social network for Vinnystya, where citizens and local authorities can discuss and share their ideas for a better city.