Hybrid parliaments support greater diversity

Inequalities have always existed in our parliamentary systems. Access was already a challenge for many different groups before the COVID-19 pandemic, which only made them more obvious, more overt. Likewise, during the pandemic, women MPs were more likely to have increased family or caring responsibilities. Again, this was just a magnification of a reality that already existed for many. Consequently, when parliaments started using hybrid proceedings – a mixture of in-person and digital participation – women MPs were the ones more likely to attend remotely. This shows that hybrid parliaments demonstrably offer a better balance between parliamentary work and other, equally important commitments.

Parliaments, as places of tradition, are often slow to change and resistant to innovation. They can be seen by citizens as lagging behind in terms of modernization. This changed with the COVID-19 pandemic when parliaments, like everyone else, needed to take drastic steps to continue meeting and functioning normally. As a result, in 2020 and 2021, many parliaments saw their work practices and culture radically disrupted. This innovation, which placed digital tools front and centre of the effective, modern parliament, enabled legislators to continue passing laws and holding governments to account. But this transformation also presents opportunities for the future, not least in terms of the diversity of representation.

The World e-Parliament Report 2022, published three years after the start of the pandemic, captures how parliaments have been changed by their experiences. As they try to analyse, consolidate and learn from what has happened, the evidence shows that modernization has accelerated, with an increased focus on digital transformation as a way to improve parliamentary effectiveness, openness and accessibility. 

There is a counterargument that suggests hybrid parliaments will see MPs abandon the chamber. But this does not appear to be happening in practice, since members appreciate the value and benefits of face-to-face interaction. Yet for those unable to attend, hybrid working offers an opportunity to participate in a more managed and flexible way. It offers members with families or caring responsibilities the chance to balance these commitments with their role as a legislator. And it allows those with medical conditions or disabilities to access parliamentary proceedings when they are unable to be physically present. 

One suggestion emerging from the inquiry into hybrid proceedings in the House of Commons of Canada is that the move away from tradition that hybridity brings can be a signal to underrepresented groups that parliament can work for them, and that they can become involved. The CIP’s own research also underscores how increased use of cloud computing and remote access has benefits for parliamentary staff, as well as for members.

As the World e-Parliament Report series shows, hybrid sittings have demonstrated their worth in times of crisis. But they can now be seen as valuable tools for building more accessible and inclusive institutions. Although not a panacea, a hybrid model can help parliaments overcome some of the barriers that people feel inhibit their effective participation in democracy.

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Dr. Andy Williamson is Senior Research at the IPU’s Centre for Innovation in Parliament