The effect of martial law on the use of electronic tools of democracy

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the influence of martial law on the use of electronic tools of democracy. It had noted that the introduction of martial law in Ukraine due to the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine creates certain restrictions for citizens, both in the context of public participation and access to general information. The normative legal acts adopted during martial law are analyzed, and their assessment had given from the point of view of their influence on the interaction of local self-government bodies with the public.The work emphasizes an important place occupied by tools of electronic democracy through which local self-government bodies can interact with residents. In particular, citizens’ petitions, which can be submitted electronically, are an essential tool of local democracy.It had determined that the constitutional guarantee of appeal is inviolable and cannot be limited even in a state of war or emergency. Using the example of the city of Sumy, the number of requests by residents submitted during martial law and their subject matter had analyzed.It emphasized that electronic petitions are a tool of public participation gaining popularity at the state and local levels. The author notes that electronic petitions are a tool that promotes the development of democracy, draws the attention of the authorities to essential issues, and is a means for evaluating the support of relevant ideas by representatives.It had determined that residents of territorial communities actively submit petitions even during martial law. The subject of local petitions during martial law was the question of de-Russification; patriotic direction; alcohol sales; at the same time, issues of improvement remain traditional; transport; education, and several others.The paper analyzes the peculiarities of electronic consultations as a public participation tool. It had noted that electronic consultations are a form of public consultations, which includes, in particular, the publication of draft acts of state authorities or issues that need to have resolved to receive suggestions and comments.It had determined that one of the promising public participation tools is the general budget, which allows each resident to initiate their projects.