World e-Democracy Forum

Twitter Revolution in Iran: a cliché?

Ten days after the disputed results of presidential elections in Iran, the situation is still unclear. Supporters of outgoing President Ahmadinejad and reformist candidate Moussavi are still demonstrating in the streets. Worldwide, a new name was removed from the experts and geeks' circle: Twitter, the social network of micro-blogging, which has allowed us to be informed in real time about events. A sudden burst in media and politics which raises some questions.

European Elections: 15% of Estonians voters have voted by Internet

Estonia was the only EU country to allow Internet voting for the European Parliament elections, last June 7. Over than 58 000 voters used e-voting, which is 15% of all the people who voted. The e-voting system has been in Estonia under development since 2002 with the final pilot held at the end of 2004. It has been several times presented at the World eDemocracy Forum. In 2005 the system was used for the first time for local government council elections. In 2007, for the first time in the world it was possible in Estonia to vote online also in parliamentary elections.

The election online - some stats

With 43.1% participation in all 27 Member States of the European Union, abstention is the real winner of the election of the new European Parliament. This is the lowest since the Parliament is elected by direct universal suffrage. The European Parliament Communication team, led by Francesca Ratti, had yet innovated a lot for this election campaign.

A free magazine for e-Democracy

Its name is "Modern Democracy" and it was born in Austria, at the initiative of Robert Krimmer, founder of e-Voting.cc. "Our aim," he wrote in his editorial, is to communicate a better understanding in the field of democratic and technological development". "Through the use of modern information and communication technologies, everybody in the world can now become involved" he continues. "Modern Democracy" is downloadable and free.

Voting for the European Parliament is voting also for the European Commission

It does not mean much but the political color of the European Parliament will influence the future European Commission. Indeed, the Commission is designated by the States of the European Union for a five years mandate after the election of the new parliament. The choice of the European Council (Heads of State and Government of the Union) must be approved by the European Parliament. 

The Twitter Election

The electoral campaign for European Parliament elections has been dismal. But, it will remain marked by innovative applications or uses of the European Parliament itself, which he welcomed the efforts of transparency and communication and candidates who, all over Europe, have used Internet to attract voters. The star of this netcampagne is Twitter, informing supporters in real time with short messages.

How our europeans MPs have worked?

It's the question that every citizen should ask before voting. How MEPs, elected five years ago, worked during their mandate? Have they been diligent? Did they comply with the vote of their own party? Have they voted like their national colleagues? A British website, extremely well done, answers these questions in few clicks.