Phase 4
Conclusion and implementation
Phase description
Following the negotiations, there may be a plenary vote on the agreed outcome document, and possibly a public referendum. Based on the outcome document, the government may agree on specific outcomes to be implemented, for instance through constitutional and legal reforms, efforts to deal with the past, and transitional justice. This may be facilitated by a proper infrastructure for implementation, including the necessary legal, constitutional or parliamentary entities, monitoring mechanisms, and follow-up dialogue forums through which unresolved questions can be addressed.
Explore the following 2 use case(s) of digital technology:
Use Case 1
Online collaboration in support of the peace process
This website enables collaboration on initiatives relating to the peace talks. Participants from different stakeholder groups can work together to identify common concerns, build coalitions around key issues, and plan joint actions that support the mediation. In addition, members of the public could use the site to identify activities happening in their locality and join them. Results of the collaboration could feed into the negotiation, for instance, by enabling a collaborative approach to agenda-setting. The tool could also help building pressure on the negotiation parties by demonstrating public support for peace and advocating for specific process outcomes. Once an agreement has been reached, the website could also be used to organize initiatives that are included in the formal provisions of the peace agreement. A password-protected version of the website could be available for a closed group of civil society actors for more direct coordination. This tool can be used accross all phases of the process.
Important context factors
This tool requires a relatively open environment and general support for peace from the population, as well as an active civil society and community leaders. The site will require a wide user base from the start to ensure it generates sufficient momentum through a critical mass of activities. This project will be constrained in the context of a divided society, with limited civil society groups and restricted freedom of expression. The use case requires access to the internet for large parts of the population and some culture of civic engagement.
Risks and possible unintended consequences
- There may be limited political momentum if the site is not populated with an initial set of engaging projects
- The site may be misused for initiatives that reinforce division and polarization, or promote partisan interests
Strategic purpose of digital inclusion
Functions of digital Technology
Outputs of digital Technology
Technologies used
Website
Use Case 2
Rapid polling: public opinion on an agreement
A polling system used to understand shifting public opinion after an agreement is signed. The results of this poll can help to know where obstacles may lie in the implementation process and to identify areas where continued mediation support may be needed. The polling exercise could be repeated regularly in the course of the implementation process. The polling could take place through dedicated polling apps, online forms, text messaging applications, or SMS systems. The information would be collected, classified, analyzed, and conclusions shared with mediators. The data could also be shared back to the polling participants and distributed among a broader set of organizations involved in the peace process.
Important context factors
There needs to be some pre-existing public acceptance of the process for people to agree to contribute to a poll, and political will from negotiators to incorporate this data into the selection of representatives. The credibility of the organisation conducting the polling will be critical to its success.
Risks and possible unintended consequences
- The polling system may be hacked to reveal how certain individuals or groups are voting
- People may become disillusioned with the process if they feel poll results are not transparently included in the choice of representatives
- The analysis may be biased, depending on the sampling methodology used
- High levels of reporting on certain indicators may distort representativeness
- The questions themselves may erode support for the agreement by sharing its content, if not carefully framed
Strategic purpose of digital inclusion
Functions of digital Technology
Outputs of digital Technology
Technologies used
Online forms, polling apps, messaging services, SMS systems
Proceed to another phase
Phase 4