Crisis-Driven Innovation: Technological Adaptations in Bahrain's Shura Council Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
About the Shura Council of Bahrein. Written on March, 2021
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge to governance structures worldwide. Among the most affected were legislative bodies, which faced a sudden need to shift from traditional in-person meetings to remote operations. This essay explores how the Shura Council in Bahrain adapted to this new reality, focusing on the role of the IT department in overcoming operational hurdles and fostering innovation.
Initial Challenges
The onset of the pandemic brought two primary challenges to the forefront. The first was the accessibility to essential internal systems. The Council's in-house infrastructure, which was critical for internal voting and document reviews, was not equipped for remote access. This lack of adaptability severely hampered the Council's ability to function efficiently during lockdowns.
The second challenge was the varying levels of technological literacy among the Council's Members of Parliament (MPs). The sudden need to transition to digital platforms was a daunting task for those not familiar with such technology. This variance in technical skills further complicated matters, affecting the MPs' ability to review documents, vote, and fully participate in the legislative process.
Technological Solutions
To address these challenges, the IT department initiated several strategic changes. A migration to cloud-based systems was prioritized to enable remote access to essential functions. This allowed the Council to conduct its first fully remote meeting, ensuring the MPs could participate in governance while maintaining social distancing guidelines.
Additionally, a mobile application was developed to facilitate remote voting. This application was integrated with the existing internal systems to ensure a seamless transition. Other innovations included the introduction of facial and temperature recognition devices within the Council's premises to ensure safety when physical presence was necessary.
Staff Training and Security Measures
The pandemic also provided an opportunity to advance staff training. The IT department continued to conduct training sessions for both staff and MPs, leveraging various platforms like Office 365, Zoom, and MS Teams. This helped to improve the overall technological literacy among MPs, thereby optimizing the use of the newly implemented systems.
Moreover, security measures were bolstered, especially concerning the remote management of devices used by MPs. This step was crucial in preventing data breaches and ensuring the integrity of the legislative process.
Lessons Learned and Conclusion
The experience of the Shura Council highlights the importance of preparedness and adaptability. A key takeaway is the crucial need for a contingency plan that allows for seamless transitions during crises. The move to cloud-based systems not only solved immediate problems but also offered long-term benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Furthermore, the pandemic underscored the need for ongoing technological training for MPs and staff alike. This is vital for the successful integration and utilization of new systems.
In conclusion, the Shura Council's experience offers valuable lessons in crisis management, emphasizing the role of technological innovation in ensuring the continuity and integrity of governance structures. It exemplifies how a proactive IT strategy can significantly mitigate the impact of unforeseen challenges, ensuring that legislative functions are not just maintained but optimized under restrictive conditions.