The effects of e-participation on voice and accountability: are there differences between countries?

Zijun Mao, Weiting Zhang, Qi Zou and Wen Deng

Information Technology for Development, 2025, vol. 31, issue 2, 473-498

Abstract: E-participation has become a new potential factor for improving voice and accountability through the introduction of digital services and the transformation of governance. However, the path and its theoretical interpretation are still unclear, and its actual effect lacks empirical verification. Drawing on the concept of digital-era governance, this study explored how e-participation can theoretically improve a country’s voice and accountability. Empirical verification was performed using the ordinary least squares method with sample data from 182 countries. The results show that global e-participation positively affects voice and accountability in three channels: e-information, e-consultation, and e-decision. Moreover, the effects of e-participation on voice and accountability are more pronounced in least developed countries than in developing and developed countries. This study identifies theoretical explanations for using e-participation to improve voice and accountability, and provides practical implications for how information technology can be used to achieve inclusive and meaningful participation.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/02681102.2024.2373745

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