The document discusses electronic participation (e-participation), defining it as the use of ICT to enhance citizen involvement in democratic processes, ranging from general governance to specific political engagement. It highlights various e-participation techniques, the role of civil dialogue, and challenges faced in South East Europe, such as development gaps and political issues. The document also notes successful initiatives, like an online citizen's forum that has garnered significant contributions and recognition since 2006.

1. e-Participation
Simon Delakorda,
M. Sc.
Institute for Electronic Participation

2. What is electronic
participation?
No clear and commonly accepted definition
• Broader understanding (participation in general)
– Participation in government and governance supported by ICT
• administration, service delivery, decision making and policy making
• users are both costumers and citizens
• Narrow understanding (participation on the political
process)
- Relating to e-democracy
• use of ICT for enabling and strengthening citizen participation in democratic
decision-making processes.
• users as citizens
Electronic participation, Simon Delakorda, M. Sc.
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3. Electronic participation
techniques
Electronic participation can employ different
techniques depending on the aspect of democracy
(Trechsel et al, 2002, p. 45)
Electronic participation, Simon Delakorda, M. Sc.
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4. Electronic participation in
civil dialogue
Civil dialogue involves an interaction between public
institutions and civil society organizations, ranging
from information to consultation and active
participation (Elodie Fazi in Jeremy Smith, 2006, p. 22)
Electronic participation, Simon Delakorda, M. Sc.
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5. Matrix of eParticipation tools
in political decision-making
process
Electronic participation, Simon Delakorda, M. Sc.
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6. SEE region as indicated
by the UN eParticipation index 2010
Electronic participation, Simon Delakorda, M. Sc.
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7. Societal conflicts
management
Innovative approach Good governance
On-line consultations with MEPs
Transparency
of participation
Legitimacy
Accountable
decisions

8. Stakeholders Argumentative
inputs facilitation responsiveness
Meaningful results Administration of
delivery relevant information

9. Citizens forum
communication design
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10. On-line Citizen's forum results
www.evropske-razprave.si
Since 2006...
• More than 1.000 published contributions
• 25.000 unique visitors
• 9 consultation reports from facilitators
• 17 official feedback from MEPs
• ePractice Editors Choice recognition 2007
• Informal learning NEFIKS recognition 2011
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11. e-Participation challenges for
South East Europe region
1 e-Participation development gap
2 unclear state of the art
3 political, social, cultural and legal issues
addressing common regional issues based on
4
cross-border cooperation
a unique eParticipation potential in relation to the
5
western Europe (regional approach to eDemocracy)
Electronic participation, Simon Delakorda, M. Sc.
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12. Thank you!
Simon Delakorda
simon.delakorda@inepa.si
(+386) 41 365 529
Electronic participation, Simon Delakorda, M. Sc.