Microblogging: The New Voice of Democracy in Ukraine
Academic Writing
10 April 2013
Microblogging – the new voice of democracy in Ukraine All people desire to live in open, democratic society. How can it be measured? Liberal democracy can be characterized by fair, free, and competitive elections between multiple distinct political parties, a separation of powers into different branches of government, the rule of law in everyday life as part of an open society, and the equal protection of human rights, civil rights, civil liberties, and political freedoms for all persons. Unfortunately, Ukrainian modern history is marked more with struggle for open society then with its real implementing. On the other hand, new technologies can stay on the people’s side in this informational battle with authority. Probably, government has badly recognized the real strength of Internet and the variety of its services. For my point of view, one of the greatest gifts of latest years for activists all over the world is microblogs – personal journals. I’m sure that microblogging is new powerful instrument in the battle for freedom of speech and democracy in Ukraine. First of all, Ukraine is regarded by European community as a country with very poor freedom of speech and low level of democracy. Over the last few years our press and media have completely lost their independence. All articles or TV-programs on political or social issues are no longer fair and open-minded but more look like invited papers that were created to advertise one or another party. Different international ratings propose us very sad statistics. “The Project of World Justice” placed our Motherland on the 87th step (out of 97) by the index of the supremacy of human rights. Ukraine also took 130th place (out of 197) in the rating of freedom of press called “Freedom House”. It was considered as a country with a partly free media. Experts from Economist Intelligence Unit put our country to the 78th position (out of 80) by the conditions for safe and happy life
10 April 2013
Microblogging – the new voice of democracy in Ukraine All people desire to live in open, democratic society. How can it be measured? Liberal democracy can be characterized by fair, free, and competitive elections between multiple distinct political parties, a separation of powers into different branches of government, the rule of law in everyday life as part of an open society, and the equal protection of human rights, civil rights, civil liberties, and political freedoms for all persons. Unfortunately, Ukrainian modern history is marked more with struggle for open society then with its real implementing. On the other hand, new technologies can stay on the people’s side in this informational battle with authority. Probably, government has badly recognized the real strength of Internet and the variety of its services. For my point of view, one of the greatest gifts of latest years for activists all over the world is microblogs – personal journals. I’m sure that microblogging is new powerful instrument in the battle for freedom of speech and democracy in Ukraine. First of all, Ukraine is regarded by European community as a country with very poor freedom of speech and low level of democracy. Over the last few years our press and media have completely lost their independence. All articles or TV-programs on political or social issues are no longer fair and open-minded but more look like invited papers that were created to advertise one or another party. Different international ratings propose us very sad statistics. “The Project of World Justice” placed our Motherland on the 87th step (out of 97) by the index of the supremacy of human rights. Ukraine also took 130th place (out of 197) in the rating of freedom of press called “Freedom House”. It was considered as a country with a partly free media. Experts from Economist Intelligence Unit put our country to the 78th position (out of 80) by the conditions for safe and happy life