Is eDemocracy the true democracy, or an illusion of participation?

This paper discusses eDemocracy within the context of ubiquitous access to the internet via wired and wireless technologies. Such access has the potential to increase engagement in public debate and representation on key issues facing society through an emerging eDemocracy. The paper presents the results of a survey on people’s attitudes and involvement in eDemocracy-related activity – such as engagement in public debate, representation of issues, and online protests. The results indicate a high level of self-perception of political awareness among the respondents; however, in sharp contrast, they also indicate a lack of actual involvement and engagement in eDemocratic activity. The paper thus focuses upon whether apathy or disenfranchisement is the dominate variable in the lack of engagement. The paper concludes by suggesting that to increase public engagement, government agencies must be required to respond to electronic representation made by citizens through eDemocratic channels. Keywords: eDemocracy, disenfranchisement, direct democracy