The role of e-Government in enhancing e-Democracy: a study of Selangor local governments

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the study of democracy, E-Government is significant as it functions as a platform to promote e-democracy by promoting people's participation through utilising modern technology such as the Internet. However, it is noted that most of the local government websites are still stagnant and lacking criteria and features for embracing two-way communication. This can hinder the process of promoting e-democracy on local government websites. This study uses Marianne Kneuer's framework to examine the impact of e-government on e-democracy in Selangor. This research aims to study the progress of e-democracy implementation in the local government websites in Selangor by looking at the features based on the framework proposed by exploring three categories: free and equal access, e-participation, and e-governance. Four local government websites were selected for this study, namely Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Kajang, and Klang local government websites. Based on the content analysis and interview method used, this research examined the content of the websites of the selected local governments in Selangor and how they relate to e-democracy by looking at different categories of e-democracy and also the local government's efforts in allowing citizens to engage in e-participation which can be seen from their initiatives by coming out with e-democracy features in their websites. The websites scored differently from one another based on the features listed in this study. Although it is noted that the local governments have provided some features related to e-democracy, the features need to be updated and improved from time to time. Those features that are not available as proposed by the framework need to be provided gradually to increase people's participation in local government websites in Selangor, namely accessibility to government data, availability to engage with political actors, discussion platform, online parliamentary monitoring, and availability of policymaking channels for people to give input. The challenges to the effectiveness and efficiency of e-government and e-democracy were also highlighted based on the results collected and interviews conducted with the website administrators. Those were namely budget allocation, feature standardization, regular updates of the websites, unclear division of tasks, leader’s approach, and public awareness and acceptance. The local government administrator has accepted the e-democracy implementation in local government websites by improving their websites, which are in line with e-democracy features. This study confirmed that free Internet access is likely to support e-democracy, where people can participate without any discrimination, and the features provided promote two-way communication between government and people. Therefore, the e-government features provided by the local government can promote e-democracy in Selangor. Keywords: E-government, E-democracy, Local government websites, Free and equal access, E-participation, E-governance