Orientation to the citizen in the "electronic government" of the municipalities of Ecuador

Abstract

Due the development of Internet connectivity and institutional frameworks, Ecuador is in a position to strengthen the Electronic Government. The objective of the investigation is to know the fulfillment of the criteria of orientation to the citizen in the websites of the Autonomous Decentralized Municipal Governments of Ecuador. The research hypotheses estimate high compliance with the variables of provision of information, consultation and active participation of citizens. The methodology is quantitative and qualitative. Between June and July 2017, 30 variables were measured in 221 municipal websites, in addition to the application of 51 semi-structured interviews to actors linked to local public management. It is concluded that the municipal websites of Ecuador do not provide quality information, generate few spaces for discussion, there is no consistent presence of attention to the demands of citizens and that these are consumers of data, but do not generate opinions. Despite having infrastructure and institutions there is no appropriation of the possibilities of Electronic Government. Neither are conditions conducive to strengthening citizen participation. Ecuador has a way to go to have effective, responsible and inclusive institutions that bring the Millennium Development Goals closer through the efficient use of information and communication technologies.