Citizen participation through technology: "I am Parliament" app launched in Iraq
"Ana-Al-Parlaman", translating to "I am Parliament" in English is a new digital application for citizens to voice concerns, submit complaints, and engage directly with elected representatives and governmental stakeholders in a time when citizens in Iraq are limited to traditional methods such as phone calls and letters. Therefore, this digital app, and with its easy to use and monitor feature will bridge a gap between the community and the government and promote dialogue in Iraq.
After the finalisation of this app, plans were set to market it effectively among citizens. Training and awareness sessions were conducted for citizens to familiarise them with the app's features, further encouraging its use. The application also saw a notable digital presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram, quickly gaining traction and witnessing a significant increase in users. Within a few months of its launch, the user base expanded from 5,000 to 36,000.
One of the successes marked through "I am Parliament" application was its influence on decision-makers. Citizens actively raised complaints through the application, prompting representatives to act consistent with the nature of these complaints. As a result of these collective efforts, a new paragraph was added to the 2023 Iraq financial budget, addressing the issue of lecturers and administrators affected by Cabinet Resolution No. 130 of 2021. This budget provision benefits almost 35000 citizens in this category, ensuring that their concerns are addressed.
The success of the "I am Parliament" app highlights technology's role in strengthening citizen-government communication and shows how technology helps people connect with those making decisions, making it easier to share concerns and get involved. By letting citizens submit complaints directly, it gives them power and builds trust in the system. This direct interaction builds trust and makes people feel like the government cares about their opinions.
GIZ in Iraq, supports the implementation of inclusive dialogues through local partners, building the capacity of governmental stakeholders and civil society organisations to foster dialogues, promote participation and setting an environment of dialogue and participation through for instance, the National Strategy of Dialogue and Participation in Iraq.