This paper analyzes three editions (2006, 2008 and 2011) of Digital Participatory Budget (DPB) of Belo Horizonte (MG). The objective is to understand the senses and meanings of the democratic participation mediated by the Internet in this experience. It is used the single case study method of qualitative nature. Data were collected through direct observation in DPB sites and document analysis. During the direct observation period, messages and manifestations of the citizens who were participating of the process were collected. These data were processed through the software Atlas TI 6.0®. We conclude that both democratic sense and meaning of this participation experience mediated by the Internet are modified throughout the editions, ranging from large impulses of democratic hope, up to disbelief in this type of digital participation.
participation; internet; democracy; participatory budget
