Abstract:
The use of technology in citizen participation has grown phenomenally in developed
countries, but is emergent in most developing countries. Accessibility and the
functionality of information and communication technologies such as telephone, cellular
phone and internet have profound effect on citizen participation in politics, policy
making and implementation. This study applies a case study methodology to understand
the relationship between technology and the nature of active citizen participation in
developing countries, using Botswana as a case example. The penetration and use of the
information and communication technologies in politics and the policy-making process
in Botswana remains low. Botswana first laid in place the policy, legal and institutional
frameworks to guide its development of ICTs in her governance system. The country has
since made significant gains on providing ICT infrastructure countrywide, and reducing
the costs associated with accessing these where available. The country has registered
improvements on all indicators on Technological readiness, further strengthening the
country’s path on the adoption ICTs in its governance process.The findings suggest that
countries should take the responsibility for, and be committed to, creating a conducive
environment for the ICT industry to thrive while not losing focus of the ultimate
objective of citizen participation.
