Abstract

Rapid technical development significantly changed and improved different forms of citizen participation: electronic petitions, electronic consultations and forums were added to ordinary rallies, demonstrations, and public meetings. Wide usage of information and communication technologies has become a new trend for facilitating citizen participation in decision-making. New technologies increase the transparency of the state and the citizens' confidence in the state policy. Internet has expanded political opportunities, new communication technologies have made it possible for citizens to be active participants in political life, to deepen the dialogue between authorities and society. Electronic participation allows reaching a wider audience at short intervals; with the help of new technologies, political communication channels can be supported and developed; in addition provide citizens with reliable information on political events in the state, in addition form of information become more accessible and understandable to the average citizen. In a context of low political participation, governments around the world are trying to introduce new approaches to re-encourage citizens to enjoy their democratic rights. Currently, the popular strategy is the implementation of digital participation platforms. Through specialized platforms, citizens can not only engage in discussion of existing proposals but also offer their own ideas for improving a particular policy. This article examines new instruments of political engagement of citizens to formulate state policy, channels of electronic participation and their mobilization effect. The main purpose of the study is to explore channels of electronic political participation and to determine their impact on the development of civil society.