Model of digital mediation for direct public participation in electoral periods

Abstract

This paper presents a proposal of digital mediation for direct public participation during electoral periods. The proposal is based on a conceptual model and proof of concept -a Web application. It is intended to narrow the communication gap between citizens and candidates, make campaigns more open and encourage citizens to become involved and participate in electoral debates. This paper also includes results from five experiments in electoral campaigns held in Portugal between 2009 and 2011. Among the main results, it should be highlighted the role of the Media as a driving force for initiatives of public participation during electoral periods, the importance of advertisement and awareness to events involving public participation, and the influence of events of short duration and live coverage in the number of participants and in the stakeholders active participation. Although the strong potential of e-participation tools to reverse citizen distancing from electoral debates is recognized, it is nevertheless argued that the main focus should be on participation and the people and not so much on technology.

Communication Model for Generalist News Media Websites

“…Specifically we intend to compare the results with other studies that analyzed this subject [6]. Moreover it would be useful to compare with other participation initiatives performed outside the media sphere to analyze the media potential to increase users' participation level.…”