Delegates consider how to improve public participation in Gauteng through the use of petitions.
13 years, the way people engage with each other, and with politics, has changed dramatically. Many of us instantly comment on what we experience via social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook and the use of smartphones means it is easier than ever to get access to the internet. Technology has moved on a great deal since the Scottish Parliament first
launched its e-petitions site. In recognition of this change, the Parliament has recently launched its new website and as part of that we hope to launch our new online petitions facility later this month. A lot of time has been spent developing both the Parliament’s new site and the new online system with the aims of being easier to use and providing better
114 | The Parliamentarian | 2012: Issue Two
integration with social media platforms. I believe that online petitions will
continue to provide an excellent means for petitioners to gather signatures and support. By using the online system, petitions are likely to reach a greater audience and also break down geographical boundaries meaning that people from across Scotland, no matter
where they live, can submit a petition. It is vital that our online- petitions system is fit for the needs of a modern digital society and by ensuring that the technology and the systems we use evolves and improves, it is easier for people to engage with us in the way they want and indeed when they want. This technology refresh is not being carried out in isolation, it is