The establishment of a digital chamber

the Establishment of a Digital Chamber

—

Won-Jong Sang

Acting Secretary General of the National Assembly
(Republic of Korea)
I. Introduction
Keeping abreast with the age of informatization, the Republic of Korea, a leading IT country, applied cutting-edge information technologies to the National Assembly and transformed it into a ‘Digital National Assembly’, thereby creating a complete ubiquitous environment and dramatically revamping the legislative support systems.
The basis for the ‘Digital National Assembly’ has been laid by continuously making into a database all the laws enacted by the National Assembly; all the data on the legislative histories of bills, budget, and accounts; the content of pending bills; and also the minutes of all the meetings taking place in the National Assembly. Afterwards, the ‘Electronic Data Network’ has been established to enable high-speed electronic transfer of large files between the legislature and the executive, and the plenary and committees.
In September 2005, the Korean National Assembly set up a ‘digital chamber’, the first of its kind in the world, which is the central pillar of the Digital National Assembly and since then has conducted meetings electronically including deliberating agenda and casting votes. By digitalizing the chamber, the proceedings have become more efficient and the members of parliament can now conveniently access diverse and accurate information regarding the agenda and focus more on the agenda itself and its deliberation. Furthermore, the ‘Internet Broadcasting System’ is set up to broadcast meetings live through the Internet and therefore to better serve people’s right to know.
Such an IT-based digital system not only facilitates legislative activities of MPs but also allows MPs, government offices, and the public to swiftly and accurately exchange and utilize diverse and ample information required for legislation at anytime, anywhere. The system, therefore, is expected to enable the timely introduction of national policies and also to enhance political participation of the public.

II. Digital Systems Installed in the Chamber

1. Multimedia Infrastructure

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  Two large electronic screens with a diagonal measurement of 210 inches each are mounted in the front of the chamber to create a multimedia plenary chamber. The digital screens are designed to display streaming video clips when MPs take the floor or address the cabinet members and also to present slides. The electronic screens are installed in a way so that they can be controlled from the LCD monitor and the controlling device at the podium.
  
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  Since the introduction of the digital screens, it has become quite common for MPs to use visual aids and slides when they make statements or direct questions to cabinet members. All in all, thanks to the electronic boards, MPs are able to carry out their legislative duties more effectively using vivid and graphic materials. Along with these functions, the boards are also expected to be used for video conferencing between MPs and ministers in the near future.
  

Overview of the Digital Chamber	Images Displayed on the Electronic Screen

2. Enhanced Efficiency through E-Meeting Infrastructures

2.1. Electronic Ballot System

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  Inside the chamber, electronic systems for both open and secret ballots are established to ensure the accuracy and promptness of the votes and to preserve and utilize the results for various purposes.
  
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  As for open ballots where the names of the MPs are made public, votes can be cast either through the touch-screen on their individual monitor or by pressing buttons on the right hand side of their desk for a stable backup. Besides, there are additional sub-systems to support the main ballot system such as the central control system that helps to manage the entire ballot process from the beginning to end and to display of results. Other aiding functions include visualizing the outcome in many different ways using graphics and statistical techniques, incorporating the results into a database, and distributing information to the public in real-time through the Internet.
  
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  As for secret ballots, a kiosk touch screen system is installed to reduce time by 2-3 times compared to the existing ballot system. The system is designed and the equipment is selected in an objective and impartial manner so as to avoid any controversies over anonymity and double voting.