eDemocracy is the theory of utilising current communication technologies to enhance politcal processes (Damodaran 2005, p.10). Over the decades citizen interest in the political realm has declined as representative democracy receded almost completely from its participatory roots, and has left us, the demos ('common people'), to simply vote and hope for the best.
A concern brought up by many political theorists is the idea of democratic elitism whereby representative government is controlled by a select, elite, few which does not properly represent the wants and needs of electorates (Goodwin 2010, p. 394). This theoretical framework assumes the majority of people as "passive consumers, incapable of exercising power or judgement, and totally apathetic" (Goodwin 2010, p.395). So to move towards a more deliberative democracy via eDemocracy, we can begin to increase inclusion and interest of 'the masses' in the public sphere of politics. Deliberative forms of democracy focus more on the quality of debate rather than the procedure of participation; so if we could have voters utilising new forms of technology - like watching a debate over policy changes and then voting online afterwards - it may overcome politicians' lack of responsiveness to the electorate (Goodwin 2010, p.315).
The main problem with frameworks such as eDemocracy and eGovernment in general is linking everyone up. The practical obstacles seem endless, and expensive. Other barriers include the "digital divide, lack of education and awareness of the potential of IT among many in the public" (Damodoran 2005, p.10). These seem to be the most obvious, and gaping, holes in this alternate system of democracy. But if they can be overcome at all, we may begin to see a shift from pure representative democracy to a democracy not quite as direct as the Athenian's would have liked, but somewhere in between the two.
Reference List
Damodoran, L 2005, 'Edemocracy: challenges for social inclusion', ITNow, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 10-11, viewed 23rd September 2011 via Oxford Journals.
Goodwin, B 2007, Using Political Ideas, 5th edn, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester.
Heywood, A 2000, Key Concepts in Politics, Palgrave, Houndmills.
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