E-participation mediums such as blogs, citizen forums, on-demand information channels (for instance, YouTube, Facebook), online chat rooms, and so on render a virtual feedback, review, critique, and complaint loop between citizens and the concerned authorities and service providers. The goal of such mechanisms in governance is to enable greater citizen participation in the decision-making process. Through e-participation, people can interact with local officials and make their voices heard. It allows citizens to immediately see how and why their representation is functioning the way it is. In addition, it enables citizens to share their comments and views about the functioning and performance of local agencies. Public officials or agencies can judge the prevailing mood of citizens and take a corresponding course of action based on popular sentiment.
