Election Run

Running Democracy via Platforms

Thanks for your wishes on our 22nd Wedding Anniversary over messages, FB posts, Insta DMs and even phone calls. We are blessed to have you all in our lives.

Let's make the “Platform’ed” community even stronger! Feel free to post it on your social media accounts too, and inspire others to join our journey. Together, we can go the distance!

DTW

During the Week, Telangana went to polls to elect the 119 members for the third legislative assembly on 30th November 2023. We were glad to accompany our daughter Aru who was a proud first time voter to cast our votes for the assembly elections.

In embracing LIGHT framework that I had discussed earlier, First-Time Voters (FTVs) embark on a journey illuminated with knowledge, transparency, community engagement, simplified processes, and thoughtful participation. As these FTVs navigate the democratic landscape, platforms serve as beacons, ensuring their path is well-lit and accessible. These platforms may be fostering a generation that not only votes but actively shapes the democratic narrative. Through informed choices, community involvement, and seamless registration, FTVs become architects of a brighter political future, where the radiance of their participation propels democracy forward.

Elections and democracy are being influenced by digital platforms. On the positive side, Digital Platforms have freed us from the tyranny of space and time and have enabled us to organise/protest (an inherent feature of democracy) at scale. In many ways , they have made our democracies more open, more direct, more interactive, more inclusive and definitely more relatable to more & more disenfranchised segments of society. They have afforded convenient and affordable stage to organise on local, glocal and global issues.

We would use the RUN framework to understand the relationship between elections, democracy and digital platforms.

Reach vs. Risks: A Balancing Act

Reach: The internet's vast reach democratizes access to information, empowering citizens with knowledge about candidates, policies, and the voting process. This informed citizenry can engage more actively, leading to a stronger, more vibrant democracy. Use of digital platforms by Election Commission of India is a point in case.

Risks: However, this reach can be exploited. Misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly online, manipulating voters and eroding trust in institutions. There have been allegation of misuse of digital platforms to spread false information including use of deepfakes. Cybersecurity threats further exacerbate these risks, potentially disrupting elections and undermining their legitimacy.

Understanding vs. Unequal: Bridging the Divide

Understanding: Digital platforms facilitate communication and transparency, bridging the gap between citizens and politicians. This allows for informed decision-making and fosters a more accountable government. Open access to government information and streamlined communication channels promote trust and engagement.

Unequal: Despite these benefits, algorithms can create echo chambers and exacerbate existing inequalities. By filtering information based on individual preferences, algorithms can limit exposure to diverse perspectives, leading to polarization and hindering constructive dialogue. This creates unequal access to information and understanding, further marginalizing certain groups.

Network vs. No Trust: Building Community vs. Erosion

Network: The internet fosters online communities and facilitates collaboration among citizens. Multiple online communities have been contributing to strengthen democratic processes. This empowers individuals to work together for common goals, promoting civic engagement and holding elected officials accountable. Social media platforms can be powerful tools for organizing grassroots movements and driving social change.

No Trust: However, the lack of transparency on many platforms can breed distrust. Unclear data practices and opaque algorithms erode public confidence in the digital realm. This can lead to apathy and cynicism, weakening the foundations of democracy and hindering collective action.

These contrasting forces – Reach vs. Risks, Understanding vs. Unequal, and Network vs. No Trust – highlight the complex relationship between elections, democracy, and digital platforms. Navigating this landscape requires careful consideration of both the opportunities and challenges, ensuring that technology empowers citizens and strengthens democracy, not undermines it.

There has been a democratisation of digital transformation (Read about UPLIFT framework for Digital Transformation at the Bottom of the Pyramid)over last few years. There is a greater access to newer technologies and initiatives to even small and medium enterprises. My friends at nicheBrains have been at the forefront of creating a cutting-edge platform that connects Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with top-tier industry experts. They aim to facilitate digital transformation, and drive growth and collaboration; enabling businesses to thrive in the dynamic global marketplace.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses of all sizes must embrace digitalization to remain competitive and thrive. John Vincent and I collaborated for a webinar to discuss knowledge and strategies to effectively navigate the digital transformation process and unlock the full potential of digitalization for organization.

Do share your views in comments or just reply to this email.

OTW

Over the Weekend, we eagerly anticipated the assembly elections results but more importantly the fate of exit polls conducted by various media/research agencies.

Election commission of India imposes ban on exit polls from the date of notification of elections until the end of polling through the introduction of Section 126(A) in the act after recommendations was accepted in part in February 2010. Anyways, Exit polls serve limited purpose other than providing content for media outlets as the gap between end of polling and result declaration has been greatly reduced over last few election cycles.

It is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future.

Predictably this expression has been attributed to a diverse collection of individuals, including Niels Bohr, Sam Goldwyn, Robert Storm Petersen, and Yogi Berra

I Love You

Shailendra