KARACHI:
Democracy embodies the concept of unity, encompassing every segment of society. In the contemporary technological landscape, digital democracy has become omnipresent. Social media serves as a crucial platform for political socialisation, with political parties disseminating their manifestos and speeches online. In terms of political participation, digital democracy significantly facilitates the expression of one’s opinions and speech.
The Arab Spring, initiated by the Tunisian people in 2011, reverberated through the political landscape of Tunisia and the wider Arab world. This transformative movement primarily took root and gained momentum through the pervasive influence of social media. In 2022, Jeena Mahsa Amini was tragically tortured and killed by Iran’s morality police (Gasht e Irshad) for what was deemed as improper use of the veil, as she failed to cover her front hair. In response to this injustice, a powerful wave of protests emerged on social media, with individuals expressing solidarity for women’s rights by symbolically cutting their hair. The collective outcry proved impactful, leading to significant pressure on the Iranian theocratic government and ultimately resulting in the dissolution of Gasht e Irshad.
Today, social media has become the primary source of information for voters who follow their elected representatives and political candidates on different platforms to stay updated with their policies and views. In this age of digital democracy, the call for digital governance is imperative. It is essential to establish a trichotomy of power on digital platforms, introducing digital courts to ensure a swift justice system. Moreover, there is a pressing need for a secure social media platform dedicated to voting on matters pertaining to new legislation.
Asad Islam Baig
Daska
Published in The Express Tribune, November 26th, 2023.
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