The implementation of electronic democracy in Ukraine

Abstract

This study aims to determine the level of e-democracy’s development in Ukraine. In spite of difficult social and political situation and staying in war, information and communication technologies play a significantrole in society and promotedemocraticgovernance. We have found that there are a few political mechanisms of citizens’ participation in the conditions of e-democracy, which are regulatedby Ukrainian legislation, such as electronic rulemaking, e-discussion, e-appeal, and onlineauthority’s session. These tools of e-cooperation between government and citizens provide access to constantly updated information on the activities and policy proposals of the authorities, opportunity to comment on the activity of government institutions, to assess it and to submit suggestions for improving the effectiveness of political management. However, the practice proves that the existing mechanisms of Ukrainian citizens’ e-participation do not ensure a stable and strong influence on the political process and political institutions of the country.With the beginning of Euromaidan revolution in late 2013 and till now the surge of citizens’ interest to online mechanisms of political participation and control over the authority is noted. Internetand social media have become key tools of crowdsourcing, raising funds for the army, helping the wounded and refugees from the conflict zone. They are also actively used for discussions on urgent social problems and to impact on the governmental activities.