Local Democracy Online: Driven by Crisis, Legitimacy, Resources, or Communication Gaps?

In this article, key findings from a survey of all municipal Web sites in Norway are presented. The focus is on e- democracy; that is, to what extent local democracy is enhanced by facilitating online political communication. What forms of political or democratic practice are made possible and/or catalyzed by the forms of political communication on these Web sites? The findings indicate that when online political communication is obtainable, the center of attention is information provision rather than online interactivity and political participation. Consequently, the Norwegian municipalities primarily use their Web sites to stimulate one of Dahl's classic democratic ideals, namely enlightened understanding. The second ideal, means for effective participation, is not particularly developed. Several hypotheses on what might explain the variation are also tested. Four findings emerged as particularly interesting: First, communication needs and overall resources explained much of the variation. In addition, municipalities that outsource Web site operations/development to private companies lag behind with regard to online political communication. Finally, although unexpected, there was no center-periphery gap as to the development of online political communication channels. (C) 2007 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved.