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Digital Governance

Concept

Generic Models

• Broadcasting Model

• Critical Flow Model

• Comparative Analysis Model

• E-Advocacy Model

• Interactive- Service Model 

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Broadcasting / Wider-Dissemination Model

Underlying Principle

The model is based on dissemination / broadcasting  of useful governance information which is in the public domain into the wider public domain through the use of ICT and convergent media.

The strength of the model rests upon the fact that a more informed citizenry is better able to judge the functioning of existing governance mechanisms and make an informed opinion about them. As a consequence, they become more empowered to exercise their Rights and Responsibilities. (see the background discussions on Information and Governance in the Concept page) 

The widespread application of this model corrects "information failure situations" by providing people with the relevant information relating to the governance sphere to make an informed opinion and impact governance processes. 

Further, the use of ICT opens up an alternative channel for people to access information as well as validate existing information from different sources. 

Applications

This model could be applied in the following possible ways:

• Putting Governmental Laws and Legislations online.

• Making available the names, contact addresses, emails, fax numbers of local/ regional/ national government officials online.

• Make available information pertaining to Governmental Plans, Budgets, Expenditures, and Performances online.

• Putting key Judicial decisions which are of value to general citizens and create a precedence for future actions online. viz. key Environmental Decisions, State vs. Citizen decisions etc. 

Some Organisations / Projects based on such models

• India: Directory of Official Websites of Government of India

National Informatics Centre (India) is the official website of the Government of India which makes available Ministerial Information, Indian Laws and Legislations Online, Contact Details etc. online for public access.

 

http://goidirectory.nic.in/exe.htm#min   (Parent Website : http://www.nic.in)

• Brazil: Official government website 
  
  The website provides comprehensive information on Brazilian government as well as links to integrated citizen services. 

http://www.brazil.gov.br

• South Africa: The PIMS Monitor 

   

  Idasa's Political Information and Monitoring Service (PIMS) providing an easy-to-use reference and record (with plain-language summaries) of all bills, acts and policy documents that pass through parliament. The Monitor aims to help audience engage with democracy, intervene in the legislative process and make submissions to parliament in South Africa. 

   

  http://www.pims.org.za/monitor/

• Global: Earth Negotiations Bulletin

A reporting service which keeps informed citizens worldwide about global environmental negotiations, processes and decisions. It has a great value for citizens and even government officials in developing countries to keep track of global negotiations taking place in the West and be more informed about them.

           http://www.iisd.ca/voltoc.html     (Parent Website : http://www.iisd.ca)

• Online Newspapers, Newsgroups and Portal Sites - these are instrumental in bringing key political and other important information into the wider public domain.

Electorales.com - http://www.electorales.com   A political Internet news and tools provider for Spanish-speaking markets around the world.

 

All Africa - http://www.allafrica.com   Provides access to political news relating to various countries in Africa.

 

Chapter 2 Network - http://www.advocacy.org.za :  The Chapter 2 Network is a clearinghouse of information and communication for social justice issues in South Africa. Through its website, it provides information about advocacy campaigns; training on Advocacy and lobbying; research on political intelligence, policy analysis and legislation monitoring and networking opportunities to interact with other civil society organisations.  

Discussions

The Broadcast Model is stepping stone to more complex Digital Governance models. And yet, it is also the most crucial one as it enhances 'access' and  'flow' of information in the society which is the foundation for better governance. In several developing counties, even the most basic information to impact governance is unavailable. The use of this model minimizes un-informed decision-making through correction of information failures (un-availability of information) at all levels. 

National and Local Governments in developing countries need to aggressively adopt this model if they want to  enhance participation of citizens in the governance processes. Simultaneously, the civil society should demand access to governance information to influence decisions which affect them.

The model loses its effectiveness in cases where the free-flow of information is restricted (lack of information sharing culture and in cases of Optimal Ignorance). Optimal Ignorance occurs when injudicious decisions are taken not in the absence of information but because of disregard of available information by citizens and decision-makers. Further, tight governmental controls to  censor information and use of ICT tools could prove to be the bane of this model.