Citizens’ increasing use of technology and social media presents both opportunities and challenges for the world’s parliaments.
Many parliaments, like the Brazilian Congress, are seeking to use technology to engage citizens in the legislative process in new ways. It’s e-democracia website allows citizens to comment on legislation anywhere there is Internet access.
Social media and other tools are also helping parliaments listen to and respond to citizens’ ideas. But while new technologies can enhance the way parliaments engage with citizens, they can also shine a light on wrongdoing by individual MPs. In some instances, this could weaken public support for parliaments generally.
The digital age has underscored the need for parliaments to work harder to strengthen public confidence in their ability to represent citizens’ interests, and it has provided tools and opportunities for doing so.