“E-parliament” is about parliaments using modern information and communication technologies (ICT) to be more transparent, accessible and accountable, to support their law-making and oversight functions more effectively, and to empower people to be more engaged in public life. Based on data from 105 assemblies, the first World e-Parliament Report concludes that there is a significant gap between what is possible with ICT and what has actually been accomplished by parliaments thus far.
Approximately 10 per cent of the chambers surveyed are making extensive use of ICT. At the other end of the spectrum, the capability of many chambers is significantly constrained by resources, some to the point that they cannot yet provide even the most basic ICT services. At least 10 per cent of chambers and parliaments appear to fall into this group, and, based on responses to a variety of survey questions, the percentage could be as high as 30 per cent. The status of the ICT systems and services of those parliaments that fall between these two groups is uneven. Many of them have implemented ICT applications that serve some of their most important functions. But many of these applications appear to be operating at the lowest level of utility and have not been enhanced to take greater advantage of ICT to improve efficiency and effectiveness, or to offer additional services.
Survey responses clearly demonstrate that most parliaments have plans to improve their use of technology to support their goals and their work. Nevertheless, narrowing the gap will require a significant increase in cooperation and coordination among parliaments, in partnership with other stakeholders.
The Report provides a valuable evidence base to show how parliaments are using ICT. It is a mine of information for parliaments seeking to develop these facilities, and will serve as a practical tool for tracking progress. The next edition is planned for 2010. The Report is a joint product of the IPU, the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs and the Global Centre for ICT in Parliament. Its launch coincided with the second high-level meeting of the Board of the Global Centre in New York on 28 February 2008.
The Report can be downloaded from the Global Centre for ICT in Parliament or ordered from the IPU website.
