Public Engagement In The Parliament Of Cambodia Through Social Media

This study focuses on Public Engagement in the Parliament of Cambodia through Social Media.The research plan aims to identify the Senate’s social media influence on the citizens,examine the extent to which social media contributes and affects the Senate,and also highlight the challenges faced by parliament in social media to interact with the public.This research was conducted in Phnom Penh Capital City as a case study in three Khan(districts)by selecting its sample randomly.Currently,the Royal Government of Cambodia has launched the Cambodia Digital Government Policy(CDGP)2022-2035,focusing on the vision of "Building a Digital Government to improve the quality of life and confidence of the people through better public service." The Senate of Cambodia also established the publication Strategic Framework and 10-Year Action Plan for Capacity Building of the Senate(2021-2030).The Senate sets out a vision to undertake its work as a modern parliamentary system based on the criteria of representation,transparency,accessibility,and accountability to build the values of democracy.This research follows mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative research methods by sending out a questionnaire to 180 people in three Khan(districts),namely Chroy Changvar,Khan Chamkar Mon,and Khan Chbar Ampov in Phnom Penh city.In addition to the data received through a questionnaire,this study received clarified data from interviews with four expert officials of social media operation of the Senate of Cambodia.This information made clear the challengers,perceptions of the operation of Social media at the Senate,and the limitations from both sides;parliament and the public.Hence,it requires an enhancement in digital technology and technical skills and an expansion of officials’ ability at the local level to share the Senate’s social media platform with citizens,leading them to engage with parliament to achieve e-parliament in the future to align with the Inter-Parliamentary Union.