Digital technologies in the electoral process of modern russia: first steps and development prospects

The article is devoted to the problem of digital (electronic) democracy in modern Russia as a public policy mechanism and a new socio-political practice caused by the processes of digitalization. It examines the issues related to the possibilities of introducing the newest information and communication technologies into the sphere of political interaction between society and the state and also assesses the prospects for the development and institutionalization of innovative forms of democratic participation of citizens in making political decision.
The authors present the main interpretations of the term “digital (electronic) democracy” that are widespread today in domestic and foreign science. The phenomenon of digital democracy itself appears to be a technological mechanism that ensures the inclusion of digitalization processes in the procedures of free political choice and political activity of citizens. It is noted that the possibilities of digital democracy expand the channels of influence from society on the implementation of the political process at various stages of the political system functioning, contributing to the development of democratic pluralism and the revival of the direct democracy elements.
Among the mechanisms of digital democracy that are currently in effect in Russia the authors point out the horizontal and vertical network communication, the formation of network communities, public online governance, and electronic voting. Particular attention is paid to the practice of remote electronic voting applied in the regional electoral process and in the elections of the President of the Russian Federation in 2024. Based on the analysis of voter turnout, the positive impact of the remote electronic voting on the electoral activity of Russian citizens is substantiated. The current problems of remote electronic voting as an element of digital democracy in modern Russia are the existence of a digital divide in the country and the lack of sufficient confidence of citizens in the anonymity of this procedure. At the same time, the authors share the position that the development of digital democracy in Russia should act as a factor in expanding opportunities for civic activity, and not as a complete alternative to it.

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