Representative democracy as practiced all over the world is but a pale shadow of the original ideal based on direct democracy. Once elected, the representatives seldom consult their electorate in legislation and the process of governance. Flaws in the electoral system, the rise of political parties and the emergence of lobbying groups have subverted democracy. Citizens have been alienated and feel powerless in the running of governments.
Is there a way to reconnect the citizen with his elected representative in a way that ensures his voice is heard on important matters? Fortunately, digital technology provides us with the wherewithal to achieve this connect. Using Big Data analytics, Artificial intelligence and Block Chain algorithms it is now possible to create a platform where the electors and the elected can carry on a dialogue. All over the world, exciting experiments are being conducted using digital democracy as an opportunity to reinvent how democracy is practiced. Here is an opportunity to reclaim democracy and restore its power where it belongs, in the hands of the people. C.K. Koshy a career bureaucrat retired from the IAS in 2005 in the rank of Additional Chief Secretary after serving thirty-seven years in the higher echelons of the Govt of Gujarat and the Govt. of India. He is a gold medalist in MA in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Kerala. He was the founder Managing Director of the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, and the Secretary of departments such as Revenue, Industries and Finance as well the Managing Director of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam. Post-retirement, Mr. Koshy is deeply involved in higher education. He was an advisor to the World Bank funded project to prepare a report on managing urban heritage in three major cities of India. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx