How do you do digital democracy?

Tuesday 17 May 2016

Politicians from across the world are in Jersey this week to learn how to 'click' with voters more effectively.

The use of social media, e-government, getting more young people involved in politics and online voting are just some of the topics on the agenda of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, which is holding its 46th British Islands and Mediterranean Region Conference in the Island this week.

The conference brings together parliamentarians from Westminster, the devolved legislatures of the UK, the Crown Dependencies, Malta, Gibraltar, Cyprus, the Falklands and St Helena, all to discuss topics under the general theme of ‘Parliaments and public engagement.'

Yesterday, the Program Director of the States e-gov project, Jonathan Williams gave a presentation on its progress in Jersey, saying it has three main aims: to improve customer service, to make the States more efficient and to support local digital industry. 

Recently the project has come under fire, after a £1.2 million contract to get the States into the digital age was given to a UK firm, ASE Consulting Ltd, after tenders by local contractors were all rejected by the States’ procurement office.

Connétable Len Norman, Chairman of the Jersey Branch of the CPA commented: “Jersey is proud to be hosting this BIMR Conference for the first time since 2005 and especially pleased to be welcoming as a special guest Mr Akbar Khan, the newly appointed Secretary General of the CPA. This conference is a fantastic opportunity for parliamentarians from similar island jurisdictions, to meet and discuss common issues. We hope that by sharing our varied experiences we will identify new and better ways of engaging with the public and making a stronger connection between the States Assembly and the electorate.”

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is the professional membership organisation linking all members of parliaments across the Commonwealth. It seeks to foster cooperation and understanding between Parliaments, promote good governance and advance parliamentary democracy.