The electronic petition as a way to influence the power available to every citizen: The role and prospects in Ukraine

Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, Kharkiv, UK raine

Abstract

The article substantiates the thesis that electronic petitions are potentially capable of acting as an effective means of challenging illegal decisions, actions, and inactivity of state authorities. In this case, the institution of the electronic petition is a mechanism that creates comfortable conditions for expressing the will of citizens, regardless of their place of residence. The article analyzes the status of the legal regulation of the institute of the electronic petition in Ukraine and the practice of its functioning. The shortcomings of the legislation on electronic petitions that negatively influence the effectiveness of this institute are systematized. The study proposes a number of measures to improve the effectiveness of electronic petitions, namely: the implementation of educational activities among the population (especially rural areas) regarding the appointment and use of the institution of electronic petition; establishing of an imperative status for petitions that overcome the minimum of votes in their support; preventing the loss of votes by the same type of petition with identical appeals; blocking irrelevant petitions; improving the interface of relevant electronic resources on which petitions are published.