Electronic governance is the public sector's response to the driving expansion of the information society. It is about more than technical issues: e-governance arrangements are based on human rights, the rule of law and enriching democracy through the effective use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Recommendation Rec(2004)15 on electronic governance (e-governance) provides the guidelines needed for Council of Europe member states to develop strategies which will enhance the relationship between public authorities and civil society, and form a common vision and practice of e-governance to strengthen democratic institutions accross Europe.Several initiatives using ICTs to support democracy are already in effect, and the recommendation's explanatory memorandum cites positive examples of these from both Europe and the rest of the world.
