ABSTRACT

What roles do information and communication systems play in fostering greater citizen participation, influencing election outcomes and informing the day-to-day operations of government? Unlike previous forms of New Media, ICTs facilitate two-way communication, encourage interaction among stakeholders and provide a rich forum for information dissemination, decision making and discussion of political issues in technologically advanced societies. The internet facilitates debate by simultaneously acting as a worldwide broadcasting network, a platform for information dissemination and a low-cost medium for collaboration and interaction among individuals and groups via their computers, laptops, iPhones and mobile phones — without regard for geographic boundaries or time zones. Whether or not this technological revolution is being used effectively by citizens to change political processes is still an open question, one without a simple yes or no answer.