International Innovations: Portal Ciudadano

Developed by: Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies

Used by: Mexican citizens

Public link: https://portalciudadano.diputados.gob.mx/

English version: https://portalciudadano.diputados.gob.mx/en/ 

Summary

The need to bring legislators closer to citizens led Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies to develop the Portal Ciudadano, a website that introduces the institution to the Mexican people.

Need

The premise behind the new tool is that democracy is perfected through the commitment of an informed citizenry. As such, it is necessary to offer citizens information about the history and the functioning of the Chamber of Deputies and the profile and activities of legislators.

Functionality

Portal Ciudadano teaches citizens about the history of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies. The site gives them information about why legislators are necessary, how they are elected, and what their rights and responsibilities are. It also walks citizens through the legislative process; the web page even has information on the most common phrases that legislators say in the Mexican Chamber, such as “Es cuanto,” used to indicate the end of speeches. Portal Ciudadano also helps voters find out who their deputies are and how they can get in touch with them or their offices. It does so by asking citizens to either search through their districts or their voter registration number. Additionally, the site has general information on the functioning of parliaments in other countries.