A new dawn? Developing Digital Democracy

Dr Andy Mycock

(Local) Democracy in crisis?

• Citizens less engaged in traditional forms of politics– Only 44% of 18-24‘s voted in 2010

general election

• Decline in joining political parties• Citizens feel excluded from politics

– Do not trust politicians or understand the language they use

– Residual sense of powerlessness

• Local democracy disconnection particularly acute

Digital Democracy

• Does ‘digital democracy’ have the potential to reverse this trend?– 90% of all 16-24 year olds connected via

the internet (Ofcom 2012)

• Internet and social media might encourage and promote democratic engagement and participation

• Technology could play a key role in developing political knowledge and understanding

What do we mean by digital democracy?

Ideas already out there…..

Possible areas for consideration

1. Enrich representation of citizens

2. Enhance policy-making

3. Empower citizens to scrutinise (local) government

4. Enable new forms of citizen engagement

5. Encourage citizen dialogue