day 2: trends in citizen input to the work of parliament, ms. rebecca rumbul, head of research,...
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World e-Parliament Conference 2016#eParliament28-30 June 2016 // Chamber of Deputies of Chile // Valparaiso
Citizen-centered digital toolsDr Rebecca Rumbul / Head of Research, mySociety
The rise of ‘PMO’ sitesAlternatives to official parliamentary websites
‘PMOs’ are alternative sources of parliamentary information and data
Majority of sites are built using data parliaments and governments are making digitally available
Aim of such sites is to make parliamentary information more readily available
PMO sites comparedKenya, South Africa, UK, USA, India
UK TheyWorkForYou.com South Africa PA.org.za Kenya http://info.mzalendo.com/ USA www.govtrack.us
What do people want to know?Citizens are demanding more information!
Biographical information on individual politicians, including work experience and financial interests
Contact information Individual politicians voting history and
policy position What is being said during parliamentary
debates
Why are PMO sites effective?Aren’t they just repackaging data that is already out there?
PMO sites tend to be built by frustrated citizens/NGOs with digital expertise
They tend to package data in a way that is more logical to the user, rather than the institution
They are able to package data from multiple sources
They add narrative and context to data Used widely by infomediaries
Q: Do you believe that being able to see this information enables you to hold politicians/government to account?
There are digital pitfalls . . . Elite capture is a significant potential issue
Users of PMO sites in UK / USA are clearly more educated, older and more affluent than the general populations
Users in Kenya / South Africa are younger, but still comparatively educated/wealthy
Usage differs geographically The existence of these sites can
fundamentally change parliamentary behaviour
PMO Users: Gender Breakdown
PMO Users: Educational Achievement
PMO Users: Employment Sector
How can we do better?And how can we do it together?
Communication and collaboration between parliaments and PMOs can be mutually beneficial
Parliaments and PMOs that work together can create better tools for citizens
Awareness of the digital divide and its potential impact can ensure all organisations work and innovate together to eliminate it
www.mySociety.org