ICTs for Information Capabilities of Parliamentary Stakeholders

Abstract

Parliaments are central institutions in democratic government systems. Parliaments in some developing countries are closed institutions. Efforts for improving the “representation function” of the closed parliaments can also result in information freedom for the citizens, members of parliaments, and other stakeholder groups. I discuss, using the concepts of Capability Approach, how different ICT interventions can assist in improving the representation function of the parliaments by expanding the information capabilities (i.e., freedom of realizing functionings of acquiring, using, and disseminating information) of parliaments, citizens, and members of parliaments. The ICT interventions discussed in this chapter include developing or enhancing parliamentary website, webcasting system, telecasting system, media center for members, resource centers for members, reporting center for external reporters, and printing press.