The Legal Status of E-Governments

Abstract

This research seeks to clarify the concept of e-government in a specific and clear manner, elucidate the position of the Sudanese legislator, and identify the trends adopted by the Sudanese national legislator for the purpose of transitioning to e-government. It also aims to outline the objectives, advantages, and disadvantages of e-government, and to develop the idea and applications of e-government. The importance of the research lies in highlighting the legal dimensions of implementing e-government, thereby contributing to enhancing its role in improving transparency, developing governance systems, and achieving the principle of rule of law in the digital environment. The research also assists institutions in restructuring their operations to align with digital transformation requirements, by establishing clear legal frameworks that address potential conflicts with existing policies and legislation. The research problem is encapsulated in the following main question: What is the stance of comparative laws regarding e-government? The descriptive-analytical approach was followed to shed light on the general concepts and fundamental pillars of the e-government concept and its legal status. The researcher also utilized the comparative approach to study the similarities and differences between various legal systems in addressing this topic. The results of this research indicated that since the late 1990s, most governments have attempted to use information technology in their services and established structures for e-government implementation, but execution varied in success and speed. E-government reduces bureaucracy and corruption, which stem from employees exploiting their authority by delaying services or accepting bribes. The success of e-government depends on political will, official support, employee training, and public awareness regarding the use of electronic services. E-government programs require diverse services and devices such as phones and computers, targeting individuals, businesses, and government entities. A lack of understanding of risks can lead to wasted resources, failed initiatives, and increased public frustration. Performance indicators are important for the public and investors. The theoretical framework for e-government needs to be developed to include the impact of information technology instead of relying solely on manual work. The research recommends that e-government infrastructure should be developed by improving communication networks, utilizing mobile service centers, and incentivizing private investment in information technology, in addition to training relevant parties on using the latest technologies. Furthermore, policies and laws should be updated to support electronic documents and transactions in consultation with officials, and systems and laws should be unified to align with the governmental work environment.