ISLAMABAD:
The Free and Fair Elections Network (FAFEN) has called for the standardization of information and accessibility features on parliamentary websites, calling it a crucial step to improve their usability and transparency.
In its report titled “Parliamentary Transparency and Openness in Pakistan,” the network highlighted that reforms were essential not only to improve public engagement in parliamentary processes, but also as a safeguard against the spread of disinformation that undermines institutions. democratic.
He pointed out that although Pakistan’s parliamentary websites have become dynamic centers of up-to-date information, often surpassing the websites of many federal ministries and divisions, they still have significant disparities in terms of transparency, accessibility and of conviviality.
“Some platforms provide detailed legislative information, while others fail to meet even minimum standards. These inconsistencies restrict public access to critical information and exacerbate the risks of misinformation and misinformation in an already polarized political environment,” notes the report.
Furthermore, he noted that a strong digital presence of legislatures aligns with Pakistan’s broader digital transition agenda and the government’s e-governance objectives as outlined in successive development plans.
FAFEN urged parliamentary leaders of all legislatures to develop and adopt common standards for the availability and presentation of information on their websites.
“These standards should emphasize increased transparency, user-friendly design and improved citizen engagement, enabling the public to access timely, accurate and comprehensive legislative information.”
