The world has seen a boom of Web 2.0 technology that has exponentially changed the way people vote and interact with government. But at what cost?
According to Wikipedia, politics 2.0 is the concept that social networking and Web 2.0 technology will revolutionise the public's ability to support and influence political campaigns.
This means an informed public can make rational decisions on who they want to lead their country. But does it also mean that political parties can do what they like with this technology and use it to manipulate voters?
Virtual reality
A Barack Obama avatar appeared on Google's Second Life in March during a live Web cast in conversation with his supporters. This was well received, particularly by young voters who use the simulation program to interact with their communities.
In addition, Obama's campaign was active in live YouTube broadcasts, and supporters followed his announcements on the microblogging Web site, Twitter.
Many believe Obama's innovative use of technology paved the way to achieve his position of US president-elect.
However, Obama was not the first to light the politics 2.0 flame. Former US president Bill Clinton used e-mail in his political campaign in 1992, and has since adopted YouTube.
Getting the message
Back home, things are heating up as April's national election draws closer. Cope, the DA and ANC have realised the massive potential of Web 2.0 technology.
Younger voters who historically are indifferent to political matters are now showing interest, by using Web 2.0 platforms to interact with their chosen political parties.
Alex Kayle, journalist, ITWeb
A milestone for democracy is also showing they're using technology to influence citizens who have never voted before to make that defining move.
A cellular campaign adopted by the DA saw an onslaught of SMSes to potential voters during the voter registration weekend.
Political newcomer Cope will use Twitter to cover its conference this weekend in Bloemfontein, informing the public as events unfold.
Cope's online campaign has attracted a staggering 13 407 Facebook members. This is closely followed by the DA with 10 817 members and the ANC falls behind with 2 023 members.
Pocit Elect, a cellular SMS payment solution, has also recognised the politics 2.0 movement. Major political parties now use this solution to financially support their lavish political campaigns, as devoted supporters donate their hard-earned cash via SMS in the belief that the party will solve the country's problems.
Breaking out
Traditional methods of age-old propaganda and old-hat fear tactics mixed with pompous promises of a better life for all do not work. New strategies of what the public wants and the package the information comes in play a critical role in winning the hearts of new and young voters.
Research has shown the younger generation spends more time surfing the Internet than they do paging through the newspaper or watching the news. Younger voters who historically are indifferent to political matters are now showing interest, by using Web 2.0 platforms to interact with their chosen political parties.
Cellular social network Mxit also has chat forums where the youth can discuss political issues.
Promises, promises
Local political parties are encouraging their Facebook members to bring in additional voters while making promises of a better future. But promises don't always materialise.
It's clear that the Internet has a huge influential power over voters, as it's not restricted by borders or limitations. Cellphones also have massive power of reach, particularly in SA. Can this power be abused in order to coerce voters to sign up? How far can a political party go in order to draw in more voters without using manipulation tactics or spam?
Politics 2.0 has its benefits, such as openness and giving the public a platform to express their views. In a democratic country that promotes freedom of expression, politics 2.0 provides open forums where the public can engage with one another as well as their leaders in healthy dialogue and debate.
But on the other side of the coin, will the parties reveal answers to those tough questions that nobody wants to answer in a country renowned for its political cover-ups?
It's still early days to know for sure, but as 2009 sees more innovative technologies coming to the fore, it will certainly make for an interesting political battlefield.
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