The establishment of a digital chamber
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digital parliament of Korea
2.2. Paperless Chamber To create a digital chamber, each seat in the plenary hall is equipped with a ‘Server Based Computing (SBC)’ terminal and the entire meeting process is systematically computerized. There is also a system set up to monitor data pertaining to the proceedings. The SBC terminals are equipped with an e-book system that allows users to turn pages by touching the screens, go directly to the table of contents, enlarge or reduce pages, view single or double pages, and search documents using keywords. Not only that, the terminals come with all the functions found in personal computers such as the Internet, e-mail, messenger, word processing and saving, thus providing greater access to meeting materials and creating a paperless chamber which also helps to cut back cost and preserve environment.
2.3. Complete Systematization of Proceedings Based on the order of business, the entire process of proceedings including introducing bills, voting, speaking, and inquiring are all integrated into a single system to provide customized information to users. Thanks to the system, the Speaker, MPs, and the staffs can gain materials relevant to their roles and the results of meetings are automatically collected into a database and managed there. This system is based on the ‘Server Based Computing’ technology. Given that there are multiple participants in each sitting, the SBC technology helps to control individual PCs from the center so that all the MPs can remain engaged throughout the meeting. There is also a system that monitors and manages changes in the proceedings. Through an interactive network established between the Speaker and the MPs, or between staffs, the system helps to move the meetings forward and to respond flexibly to the changes that occur during the proceedings.
2.4. Proceedings Monitoring System This system offers information needed to effectively conduct meetings. For instance, a built-in sensor in each seat monitors in real-time the attendance of MPs and shows whether or not quorums are met. The system also helps MPs to call for assistance from staffs and to sign up to take the floor. 3. Electronic Data Network between the Legislature and the Executive The ‘Electronic Data Network’ is established to allow users to exchange files electronically between the plenary and the standing committees and between the parliament and pertinent government ministries. The high-speed network enables MPs to electronically send and receive documents that are produced in each legislative phase; introducing a bill, referring to the relevant standing committee, deliberating, reporting to the plenary, deciding in the plenary, and finally, transferring the bill to the government. By opting for the ‘Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)’ method, the ‘Electronic Data Network’ allows simultaneous transfer of sizable files on agenda. The system drastically enhanced accuracy and promptness in handling documents thereby contributing to higher efficiency and lower cost. 4. Improved Public Information Service The ‘Vote Info Sharing System’ offers detailed information on the voting results of bills while the ‘Bill Tracking System’ allows the general public to track any bills under consideration. Both systems have notably improved public information services. 4.1. Vote Info Sharing System This system consolidates into a database the results of votes along with the content of bills. And the data compiled is made available to the public in real-time through the Internet. The data can be searched in various ways either by entering the names of MPs, the title of bills or dates. And the collected data can be utilized to analyze votes in conjunction with the basic personal information of MPs such as their constituency, age, and educational background. 4.2. Bill Tracking System The ‘Bill Tracking System’ shows real-time via the Internet where a particular bill is at in the legislative process. By simply logging onto the Internet, people can check which stage a bill has reached in a multi-phased legislative process; from the introduction of a bill, first reading at the plenary, deliberation by the relevant standing committee, consideration of legality and wording by the Legislative and Judiciary Committee, reporting back to the plenary, and to voting. With the system in place, the sponsor, the government, interest groups, and the general public can check the status of a bill in the legislative process in real-time. 4.3. Internet Broadcasting System By broadcasting plenary and committee proceedings live through the Internet, the ‘Internet Broadcasting System’ strengthens the accountability of MPs in fulfilling their responsibilities and satisfies the public’s right to know. The ‘Internet Broadcasting System’ broadcasts live or offer VOD services on all plenary and committee meetings. By securing around 20 channels, the system ensures that all meetings that may overlap in schedule are broadcast simultaneously on-line. The system has also automated filming, editing, and image adjusting functions that were previously performed manually. As for the VOD services, the videos are classified according to MPs, agenda, and sittings so that they can be searched easily. The videos can also be downloaded at the request of the persons filmed in the videos. The ‘Internet Broadcasting System’ offers the general public easy access to legislative activities through the Internet and therefore allows them an opportunity to evaluate the performances of the legislators and engage more proactively in the politics which in turn enhances the accountability of MPs and serves the public’s right to know. III. Conclusions The ‘Digital Chamber’ of the Korean National Assembly aims to go beyond creating a mere paperless meeting room or improving the efficiency of meetings through a sophisticated electronic voting system. Its ultimate goal is to usher in an era of ‘Ubiquitous Politics’ where the public can stay attuned to politics whenever, wherever they are. Through digitalization, the Korean National Assembly has turned the proceedings effective and lively while enabling omni-directional monitoring and interactive communications. However, the endeavours of the Korean National Assembly do not end here. Building upon these achievements, it aspires to extend the laudable features of the ‘digital chamber’ beyond its confined walls to each and every meeting held in the parliament and even to local councils. In so doing, the Korean National Assembly aims to invite greater public participation so that, at the end of the day, it can position itself as a genuinely open and attentive legislature and contribute to further advancing democracy. Download 370 Kb. Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: 
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