Electronic Publishing and Democratisation of the Transitional Society in Macedonia

One of the greatest effects of the digital media and Internet is the birth of a new political sensibility that extends beyond the boundaries of the local politics. Recent studies show that the digital citizens are more optimistic, tolerant and committed to change. And they vote. They vote for a more democratic society. It is not a surprise that the digital media are getting more attention by the participants in the arena of politics. But the true effect of electronic publishing in post-communist countries is still obscure and in need of scientific investigation. The question whether the positive effects of its technologies can overcome the deeply rooted totalitarian forces can only be answered via qualitative and quantitative analysis of the problem, and then conclusions about patterns can be drawn. Case study: Macedonia Our paper presents a case study of the Role of Electronic Publishing in Democratization of the Macedonian society. It provides detailed analysis of the factors connected with electronic publishing and digital mediums that have been affecting the development of democratic processes since the fall of communism. Emphasis is put on the happenings during critical periods, such as elections, with a spotlight on the acting of the political parties and their activities via digital mediums, as well as from a viewpoint of the general situation in Electronic Publishing. Also included is analysis of the converging roles of the international political situation. Several typical instances are anecdotally illustrated in detail to provide qualitative information alongside the relations examined via facts and figures. As the last part is the comparison study with the situation in other countries with emerging democratic system, that will show that the Macedonian experiences can be used to understand more global trends. The Digital Citizen Before I start the paper, I think it would be appropriate to introduce you to some of my background. I am probably quite young to know a lot about democratic or totalitarian societies. Politics is not part of my professional interest either. However, I had a great opportunity to spend parts of my life in a totalitarian system that then became democratic; and I also had the opportunity to live some time in a truly democratic society in Western Europe. I have also been very fortunate to use the Internet and digital communications for quite a while. Being educated in a totalitarian society, I was well informed about the worst of democracy. The facts I have learned about democracy are true; it is just that we learned only the bad sides of democracy.