Conceptual model of public opinion monitoring system using mobile phones (m-Referendum)

Short message service communication, i.e., the number of short text messages is continually growing. The reason for that lies in the fact that more and more people have access to modern digital communication technology that is becoming more user-friendly and budget-priced. There are various uses of modern mobile communication technology and available infrastructure in solving practical problems. By means of telecommunication technology we can receive required information and distribute it from our telecommunication devices. In view of all the possibilities of telecommunication technology, it should also be used for the purpose of raising the degree of democracy and promoting civil society principles. Due to its simplicity and popularity, text messaging is almost an ideal means for public opinion surveys. It is especially interesting to consider the possibility and devise a model that would facilitate quick referendums and help acquire information on public opinion on particular political initiatives. This seemingly simple problem entails many technological, organizational and security issues which are to a certain degree solved by the proposed model.