Third, technology can help complement the face-to-face interactions. All elected representatives must have web pages, email IDs and mobile keywords wherein citizens can send feedback, suggestions and grievances to them. A time-based response mechanism must be set up. Companies do this, so why not the political class? The need is for a citizen relationship management system, which I am sure our technology companies can help create.
Fourth, citizens have a very important responsibility in a democracy – to vote. Only half of our eligible base actually votes. This needs to change. Innovations like e-voting have to be deployed to ensure we can get as close to maximum voting as possible. This will also reduce the influence that special interest groups have. For this, citizens need to ensure they are registered as voters.
Continued tomorrow.
