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Web 2.0 in the service of participatory democracy


Introduction

Initiative Name: La Luna, Ciudadana Informada, Somos Democracia, Universidad Tecnica
Author: Anavela Herrera
Country: Ecuador [EC]
Theme: Education | Governance | Human Rights
  Access | Capacity building | Open Source software
Download: English | Español | Français

The Story

Background and context: Since the return of Democracy in 1978, Ecuador has undergone continuous socio economic transformations and presidential replacements. Eleven constitutional presidents have been in power since then. Some managed to complete their term of office and others were compelled to run away from the country after being accused of corruption. This situation resulted in political and economic instability and has created a sense of skepticism among the Ecuadorians, who little by little are becoming aware of the importance to be involved as active actors in the political an social processes of their country. They have understood that they need to play an active part in decision making processes.

One of the mechanisms that have made this synergy possible is technology. Even if the old concepts of Web 1.0 are still active in the country, the idea of going beyond the phase of a centralized information management of Web pages is today widely accepted and many have already moved to the concept of Web 2.0. This new tool is being chosen to use the sharing of information and knowledge as a way to strengthen the networks formed by people with common interests and similar needs. The possibilities offered by Web 2.0 have encouraged the important and crucial participation of many people who are now able to express their opinions, to make their own remarks, to criticize or even make suggestions concerning significant issues at the national level.

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Impact Assesment

Lessons Learned