Digitalisation and democracy

Direct democracy is a specific characteristic of Switzerland’s political system. This aspect is most clearly visible in the fact that Swiss citizens are called to cast their vote at least four times a year. The preparatory work leading up to voting is complex: administrative offices, parliamentary chambers, political parties and interest groups as well as what is termed civil society develop ideas that result in political decisions and have an impact throughout the entire country. Digitalisation, which affects all areas of our society, is becoming increasingly instrumental in these processes. Some see major disadvantages – in the best case, a necessary evil, in the worst, an unavoidable one – while others sense an opportunity to rejuvenate the political system.

Although discussions about electronic voting have been held for years to little effect, other initiatives have gained traction; these are termed ‘civic tech’ and aim to digitalise political instruments in order to achieve various goals, for instance, to promote citizen participation in politics and to formulate questions on civil society/community life in an accessible way. But could this process cause parts of the population to be excluded from participating? Are all participants equals in the face of a digitalised world that – to be taken advantage of – demands considerable financial and human resources? And what is the role of the state in this context?