Welsh eDemocracy gives voice to people’s issues

Jenny Robins (15 July 2008  09:58)

Source: PublicTechnology.Net

E-democracy services such as e-petitions are making it easier for the public in Wales to make their voices heard and to engage with The National Assembly.

The National Assembly for Wales Petitions Committee will celebrate reaching 100 not out in terms of petitions received on July 15th, with "Reflections and Projections" an event that celebrates the first year of the new petitions system while also looking forward at ways of increasing participation in the democratic process.

A major milestone for the petitions committee was the launch in April of the e-petitions system which, in just two months, has contributed nearly a fifth of the total of petitions for the whole year. The system allows members of the public to submit, view and sign petitions online, making it quick, easy and convenient to give their views on Welsh issues to the Assembly.

Other e-services include the senedd.tv webcasting site, e-forums and a "quick vote" facility for online consultations for committee inquiries.

Chair of the Petitions Committee Val Lloyd AM said: "The committee has been delighted by the number of petitions it has received in its first year. The impact of the e-petitioning system in particular has been incredibly positive and proves that if we use modern and accessible ways to help people understand, engage and participate in Welsh democracy, people will realise their voices and opinions are not just heard, but are acted upon. This is particularly the case for traditionally hard to reach audiences who might not engage with more traditional ways of communicating with governance issues.

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