DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2706-6185/57/141-144
Aysel Rahimli
Baku State University
Master’s student
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2831-7159
ayselrahimlii@gmail.com
Conceptual Evolution from Democracy to E-Democracy
Abstract
This article aims to analyze the conceptual evolution from the traditional model of democracy to electronic democracy and the impact of information and communication technologies on political participation and governance processes. Democracy has historically developed as a fundamental form of political governance that ensures citizens’ participation in state administration. However, in the modern era, the rapid development of information and communication technologies has created new opportunities for the functioning of democratic institutions and for different forms of citizen participation. In particular, the widespread use of the internet, the development of digital communication tools, and the emergence of online platforms have enabled more efficient and accessible interaction between the state and society.
The article comparatively examines the basic principles of traditional democracy and the concept of electronic democracy, and it also explores the influence of digital technologies on political communication, public discussion, and decision-making processes. At the same time, the expansion of citizens’ opportunities to participate in governance through electronic participation, online voting, and digital platforms is evaluated. Within the framework of the study, along with the advantages of electronic democracy, challenges such as digital inequality, cybersecurity, data protection, and disinformation are also considered. As a result, it is emphasized that the development of information and communication technologies stimulates the emergence of new forms of democracy and contributes significantly to the formation of a more transparent, open, and participatory model of governance.
Keywords: Democracy, electronic democracy (e-democracy), digital democracy, information and communication technologies (ICT), online political participation, electronic voting (e-voting), digital citizenship, open government, open data, digital transformation