JeDEM - eJournal of eDemocracy and Open Government
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Individual attitudes towards internet voting: The case of France
No full textSince the early 2000s, internet voting has developed considerably. However, limited research still examines citizens' expectations regarding its use in the electoral process, particularly in countries that have not yet introduced internet voting. This article addresses this gap by studying citizens' opinions about internet voting. We challenge existing preconceptions about their propensity to accept such a voting option. Our empirical analysis is based on a post-electoral survey in France. We demonstrate that French citizens broadly favour the introduction of internet voting. Such a system is rejected primarily due to political reasons or general social media usage. Indifference to the issue reflects the social divide traditionally observed in electoral and online political participation. Furthermore, we show that different groups emerge, depending on the arguments they use to support or oppose the introduction of internet voting
Risks and Challenges to e-Justice Principles: Governing Remote Work, Online Hearings and the Use of Social Media in Chilean Courts
No full textThe digitalization of justice is emerging worldwide partially due to the most common narrative surrounding digital government being; more efficient, cost-effective, and democratic. In an in-depth case study of the Chilean courts’ implementation of technologies during COVID-19, we questioned the dominant narrative of e-justice as “better justice” by borrowing from digital government literature and highlighting implications to e-justice principles. Derived from thirty-one (31) interviews with key stakeholders from the Chilean judiciary system, we provided evidence on how the e-justice principles are challenged by the implementation of digital technologies by court systems in Chile. The paper showed risks to justice work and due process in two main ways: bypassing traditional media scrutiny and limited governance of ready-to-use technologies in remote work, online hearings and the use of social media in judicial communications.This paper advances our understanding of the relationship between justice, digital technology, and government
Implementing e-procurement at the Zimbabwe’s National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm): Challenges and Prospects
No full textThis study explores the challenges and benefits of adopting electronic procurement (e-procurement) technologies to facilitate anti-corruption mechanisms, accountability and transparency in the procurement of pharmaceuticals at the National Pharmaceutical (NatPharm) Company in Zimbabwe. Pharmaceutical corruption is a serious threat to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage. It is imperative for the Government of Zimbabwe to adopt Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to detect and prevent corruption and fraud, thereby, addressing leakages, mismanagement and theft of medicines, thereby, improving population health outcomes. The study used a qualitative exploratory case study approach and data was gathered through documentary review. The study findings reveal that, pharmaceutical procurement is highly vulnerable to corruption at NatPharm. Bid rigging, procurement-related corruption, bribery and nepotism characterise pharmaceutical procurement at NatPharm. The study recommends the adoption of a transparent e-procurement system with open contracting and integrity pacts to reduce corruption, increase transparency and accountability at NatPharm.
Changes in the Mindset of People in Pakistan about their Democratic System since the Regime Change
No full textThe objective of this paper is to share the details related to the political situation after the regime change in Pakistan at the start of this year. After that, we have determined how this change impacted the citizens of Pakistan and what changes in the dynamics of their political thinking occurred. The researchers working on this research area are using ‘Qualitative Research.’ The Data for the research was taken from news sites, blogs, and social media; then, it was presented descriptively. The study in this paper makes us aware of the silent revolution in the way of thinking of the people of Pakistan and how they communicate their opinions with the government. This paper will only be limited to the extent to which each aspect of the change is being clearly described; it will also look at the possible solutions for resolving issues suggested by the people and how they should be implemented, and finally, what positive impact this regime change has had on people’s thinking
Democratising Democracy: Votes-Weighted Representation: Votes-Weighted Representation (VWR)
No full textDemocracy is in retreat around the world. To reduce the UK’s own democratic deficit, support is growing for some kind of proportional representation. We propose that existing versions of PR can be greatly simplified and improved on by giving each representative voting power in the assembly proportional to the number of votes they have been given by the electorate: “Votes-Weighted Representation”. Under VWR a country/region is divided into multi-member constituencies. Each voter has a single vote. Ballot papers list the candidates (each party can field several), whom voters then rank. The candidate with the fewest votes (top preferences) is eliminated, and their votes are transferred to next preferences, repeating until the number of candidates remaining equals the number to elect. Optionally, given sufficiently secure and accessible voting software, every voter can also have a 'dynamic' second vote, which they can arbitrarily split and delegate to any representatives from any constituencies, for however long and on whichever issues they wish; delegated votes are added to representatives’ vote weights. Any voter can override the delegation of their second vote on any issue, and remotely vote on it in the assembly themselves, directly. Compared with existing systems, these proposals will allow more accountable, more responsive and finer-grained coverage of the inherently multi-dimensional political space, including between elections. Fewer votes will be wasted, and better proportionality of voting power in the assembly should be achievable than under comparable Single Transferable Vote (STV) and highest averages or highest remainders methods for apportioning representatives. Also, fewer votes will be wasted compared with using electoral thresholds without vote transfers from eliminated candidates. Political fragmentation should be largely avoidable by using 6- or 7-member constituencies, without unduly compromising proportionality for bigger parties, or the diversity of elected representatives. Our proposals should help democratise democracy, improve its functioning, and reverse its global retreat
Blockchain Technology in Lands Registration: A Systematic Literature Review
No full textBlockchain technology (BT) is increasingly important in digital government as a means of efficient information management, decision making and an instrument for reform. This study presents a systematic review of BT's potential and application in land registration within low-income countries. The study uncovers diverse approaches to BT implementation that are influenced by local conditions and government structures. The study reveals that while there is a burgeoning interest in this field, actual implementations remain limited. The key barriers include resistance from government officials and a lack of local BT skills. Public blockchains have shown a high tendency for adoption, indicating a shift towards more transparent relationships between governments and citizens. The Hyperledger Fabric platform emerges as a popular choice due to its ability to provide secure, scalable, and robust solutions. However, there is a lack of clarity regarding the consensus mechanisms used, indicating a potential gap in current research practices. The study recommends an incremental approach to BT implementation, starting with non-threatening, transparent processes that could be expanded as part of broader government reform programs. Despite the potential of BT to revolutionize land registration systems and democratize tracking, it also poses a threat to existing power structures. Therefore, more robust empirical research is needed to evaluate the impacts and navigate the associated sociotechnical, legal, and institutional challenges. The study also proposes the establishment of a BT collaborative network among low-income countries to leverage shared experiences and develop a common framework for implementation. In the single instance where it was implemented in Georgia, public trust in government was restored. The study contributes to understanding how BT can be effectively harnessed to improve land registration systems in low-income countries
A Critical Success Factors for Data-Driven Decision-Making at Local Government: The Case of Indonesia
No full textA question remains regarding the effective application of data as a basis for decision-making in public sectors. In relation, the objectives of this study are twofold. First, this study identifies factors affecting the local government official's propensity to use data for decision-making. Second, this study outlines the components of the effective application of data-driven decision-making in local government. Extensive in-depth semi-structured interviews with executives at the agencies and offices of the Regency of Bojonegoro, Indonesia, were conducted to gather the data. Our findings demonstrate two predominant institutional factors instigating the officials' inclination to use data in their decision-making: a) the accountability pressures and b) the hierarchical, bureaucratic structure. Our findings further signify the existence of three interrelated building blocks necessary for the practical application of data-driven decision-making: a) transforming quality data into knowledge, b) capable and motivated people, and c) appropriate tools/apps. Furthermore, culture and norms, institutional contexts, rules, and regulations shaped the functioning of the three components mentioned above
Understanding the Intention to Use LAPOR Application as e-Democracy in Indonesia: An Integrating ECM and UTAUT Perspective
No full textThe development of ICT enables citizen involvement in the decision-making process and two-way communication between democratic actors in the political sphere through digital e-democracy platforms. Unfortunately, implementing digital platforms faces severe problems on the adoption side. A literature review shows that developing countries are research locations that have been widely studied in recent years, and specific theoretical models were used to explain the critical factors that influence user acceptance of e-democracy. This study investigates the critical factors influencing the adoption of e-democracy to fill the research gap. The conceptual model is proposed by integrating the ECM into UTAUT. A cross-sectional survey was designed and employed to test the conceptual model. Tests were carried out on 355 data samples using SmartPLS software. The PLS algorithm testing and the bootstrapping procedure were carried out. The results found that satisfaction, perceived usefulness, effort expectancy, and facilitation conditions directly influence the intention to use e-democracy. At the same time, social influences do not significantly affect the intention to use e-democracy. In addition, perceived usefulness, facilitation conditions, and expectancy confirmation positively influence user satisfaction. Expectancy confirmation positively influences perceived usefulness. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Consequently, some policy recommendations need to be adopted by the Indonesian government to improve the quality of e-democracy
Defining Transparency: A Functional Approach: Eine Funktionsherangehensweise
No full textTransparency is a fuzzy concept within the governance literature; it is commonly linked, through blurry categorisations, to other concepts in the political science and public administration scholarship, such as accountability and corruption. This reflection piece seeks to tackle this blurriness and advance the concept’s analytical precision by presenting and discussing transparency’s main dimensions, as well as its framing within the scholarly body of good governance, democracy, and development. To do so, the reflection paper presents a novel approach; to define transparency in the form of a function (which places transparency in relation to, and as a function) of its two constituting dimensions: a) information (timely and qualitative), and b) accountability mechanisms (namely, a free media environment and legitimate accountability channels). Reviewing a sample of relevant and influential works in the broad field of transparency, these two dimensions are analysed highlighting the common analytical factors found in the scholarship, pointing towards potential applications of the novel functional approach framework. The focus is placed on the distinct institutional and contextual levels, addressing the various analytical determinants of transparency. In doing so, the reflection presents and discusses some prospective research hypotheses, marking the road for future theoretical and empirical research, as well as policy implications