EFFICIENCY OF DIGITAL TOOLS IN EXPANSION OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION (ICELAND AND ESTONIA EXPERIENCE)

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to identify factors that affect the degree of effectiveness of digital online platforms in expansion of political involvement.Methodology and Approach. The author analyzes the practical experience of using digital tools in Iceland and Estonia at the local, party and national levels, sociological data on the level of citizens participation and the main results of these platforms work. The research methods are based on a comparative case study using the formal-logical method, structure-function and SWOT-analysis.The results. The key efficiency and implementation problems of digital tools are identified. The paper concludes that the use of new technologies does not directly correlate with better quality of the political process, however it improves legitimacy of decision-making and broadens the electoral base of political parties.Theoretical Implications. The empirical material related to the research is summarized, the need for a differentiated approach to improving political participation with digital tools at different levels is formulated, as well as socio-cultural changes that should make this process more effective.

Keywords

• participation
• citizen participation
• digital democracy
• direct democracy
• participatory budgeting