PN launches e-democracy platform
The Nationalist Party has launched ‘Ideat’, an e-democracy platform designed to enhance public consultation on electoral proposals.
The forum, which can be accessed through the Forza Nazzjonali campaign website, will be used to create a debate of ideas on the proposals found within the general manifesto.
Users also have the opportunity to input their own suggestions on the website.
The Labour Party has so far employed more traditional methods, by requesting members to email suggestions to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.
The initiative, which according to the PN is the brainchild of party leader Simon Busuttil, was designed with the help of PN electoral candidate and software entrepreneur Ivan Bartolo.
Speaking to The Malta Independent, technology specialist and IT law expert Dr Gege Gatt said: “Malta cannot remain a nation ringed by its walls. Technology can enable us to instil a pervasive sense of justice, freedom and control over our common future – people over politics, in a way.
We need to recognise the immense transformative power IT can have in improving the lives of Maltese citizens and society in general.
“This tool is a great way to increase citizen participation in politics, especially electronic community access to policy formulation. It clearly aims to structure this public discussion. Citizens become potential producers of political value, commentary and, most importantly, actionable ideas.
“I believe that democracy is strengthened by more conversation and this platform will stimulate such activity and bring it to the fore of our political activity.”
In a press conference, PN leader Simon Busuttil said that if the service proves to be a success, he will extend it to his legislature should he be elected on 3 June.
As Dr Busuttil admitted, the idea behind the concept is largely inspired by that of the newly elected Icelandic prime minister, Bjarni Benediktsson. Iceland, which has population size similar to Malta, has seen roughly 70,000 people make use of the service.
Currently, the top-rated suggestion crowd sourced from the public is that a PN in government should introduce legislation which would reject any future development on ODZ land. A similar – albeit narrower – proposal has already been made by the Labour Party, which has pledged that no major public projects will be carried out on ODZ land.
The PL’s proposal has been met, however, with surprise from eNGOs and the public, owing to the current administration’s dubious track record in the field, with 2016 seeing a record number of ODZ permits approved in 11 years.
The Planning Authority has also rejected roughly 60% of the Environment Resource Authority’s recommendations.
A majority of users called for an increase in green public spaces across the island, with one suggesting that there should be one green lung per locality.
There were also calls for an increase in creative spaces and to convert the now abandoned Marsa Power Station into a contemporary arts museum.
LGBTIQ issues are also top of the agenda of the users who submitted proposals. However, with the introduction of Josie Muscat into the PN fold, it seems that the PN will not be able to shake off their conservative image.
Users also suggested a complete overhaul of the public transport system in favour of a more efficient system.
To combat the rising number of abandoned and disused buildings across the islands, users suggested that the government should introduce schemes which will incentivize the regeneration of such properties.
It was also proposed that the PN should introduce legislation to combat obesity – an ever-growing issue in Malta – and promote sustainable and organic farming.