312 Copyright © 2012, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. Chapter 18 INTRODUCTION Citizens and aspiring members of parliament (MPs) interact frequently during the campaign process; however, after the campaign, parliaments “in most developing countries tend to be closed institutions” (Ahmed, 2008). In developed econo- mies, however, parliaments use information and communication technologies (ICTs) to modernize parliamentary processes and to communicate with the world (Dandjinou, 2002). Recently, both de- veloping and developed countries have promoted the use of ICTs in democratic processes because they enhance the free flow of information, ideas and knowledge. Some have portrayed the ICTs as a solution for improving democracy, legislative processes and citizens’ participation. This is because ICTs have changed the way information is gathered, stored, processed and disseminated. The ICTs promote participation and openness, thereby saving as a pushing force for democratic change. ICT initia- Chipo Kanjo University of Malawi, Malawi Promoting E-Democracy and Citizen Participation through ICT Initiatives in Parliament: The Malawi Case ABSTRACT This chapter proposes an experience-based model for the low-ICT resource countries that promotes the use of multiple ICTs, both traditional (radio, television) and contemporary (computers, mobile phones, internet), as a way of enhancing citizens’ participation towards issues that are deliberated in parliament. In general, the technological change pace is slower in developing countries. For this reason, e-democracy can not be achievable using contemporary technology alone. Based on the Malawi experience, where ICT availability and access is still low, this chapter argues that use of multiple ICTs may be an appropriate approach in low-resource context. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61350-329-4.ch018