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Abstract:
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We live in the age of democracy and democracy is not only possible in the societies where there is freedom of information and discussion (Riaz, 2007). E-democracy plays a big role transcending barriers associated with traditional means of participation in democracy. However to be efficient, e-democracy requires appropriate means and strategic integration with other existing means of communication. Following recent studies (Kumar, 2017) e-democracy is often studied in isolation and opposition with other existing means of communication. Thus, this study addressed this problem by approaching e-democracy from logic of continuum and complementarity with other means of participation in a global political communication perspective. Using mixed method research design, and guided by ‘uses and gratification’ and participatory democracy theories, this study sought to find out how Burundi citizens participate in e-democracy and their level of satisfaction as well as investigate Burundi’s ICTs policy framework in fostering democratic and civic engagement. Findings showed that Burundians participated in decision making by means of e-democracy, however, their level of satisfaction was moderate, citing a lack of sufficient consideration for online participation vis-à-vis the traditional media. Other findings include: fear of repression by the government, integration of communication in other means of communication, access to ICTs and use of social media in political arena and lack of e-democracy appropriate means of participation as notable challenges. This study shifted from dichotomies of determinism (technological, cultural) to an emerging balanced position that e-democracy is assessed well contextually. In conclusion, e-democracy has a lot of potential to enhance citizen participation in decision making but its efficacy must be anchored in democracy principles, two way communication perspective, and its integration with existing means of communication. |
