End of Commitment Report – Transparency and openness of local self-government

Name of Evaluator

Danijela Petrusheva and Gorana Andonova

Email

[email protected]

Member Name

Kisela Voda, North Macedonia

Action PlanAction plans are at the core of a government’s participation in OGP. They are the product of a co-creation process in which government and civil society jointly develop commitments to open governmen... Title

Action plan – Kisela Voda, North Macedonia, 2025 – 2025

Commitment

TransparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More and openness of local self-government

Title

Transparency and openness of local self-government

Action

The commitment to transparency and openness of the local government is a fundamental principle that guarantees that the activities performed by the Municipality of Kisela Voda are accessible, accountable, and ​reflect the needs and the will of the community. Key elements of transparency and openness of local government are free access to information, public participationGiving citizens opportunities to provide input into government decision-making leads to more effective governance, improved public service delivery, and more equitable outcomes. Technical specificatio..., accountability, open meetings, clear communication, adherence to ethical standards and integrity, and advocacy. The Local Communities (LCs), as a form of organization of the citizens in the Municipality, represent a bridge of communication between the citizens and the local government. The core focus of this commitment of the Kisela Voda Municipality is bringing the work on the local government closer to the public, in order to enable them to participate in the processes of decision-making and to nurture trust between residents and local public administration.

Problem

This commitment encourages citizens to directly participate in the creation of activities as the next steps of the municipality and to define the priorities for action. This commitment creates an unbreakable connection between citizens and local authorities, as a cornerstone of good governance. By jointly defining the priority needs of the community, it is ensured that municipal activities, investments, and the use of resources are implemented in cooperation with citizens and the community. Active participation, open communication, and joint responsibility between local authorities and citizens in the community are required in order to improve transparency. Various organizational forms of citizen engagement, such as local communities (LCs), facilitate the flow of information from the community base to municipal authorities, thus promoting participation and the bottom-up approach. Local communities and community leaders are in the best position to understand the unique needs, concerns, and priorities of residents. When these voices are actively included in decision-making processes, it not only improves the quality of decisions but also makes them more transparent and relevant to the people they affect. By fostering public debate, citizen support, and building partnerships between open local government and community organizations, municipalities can create an environment where transparency is not only practiced but also embraced.

1.1 What was the overall level of progress in the commitment implementation at the time of this assessment?

complete

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

During the reporting period, the selected commitment “Transparency and openness of local self-government” was implemented in accordance with the timeframe established in the approved action plan. A series of activities was carried out to support this implementation, each aligned with the specific objectives and milestones defined at the outset. These actions progressed through defined stages and were executed within the allocated resources and schedule. All activities reached full completionImplementers must follow through on their commitments for them to achieve impact. For each commitment, OGP’s Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) evaluates the degree to which the activities outlin... More, having met all operational, performance, and timeframe criteria. These include the final results:

1. Equipping a cabinet for scientific and practical work in the primary school “Kuzman Josifovski Pitu” in the Municipality of Kisela Voda,
2. Reconstructing a multifunctional playground and children’s corner next to the trim track in the settlement “11 Oktomvri – zgradi”

, which were selected based on analyses of all questionnaires filled by the citizens in all the local communities in the municipality

Provide evidence that supports and justifies your answer:

Photos of the reconstructed multifunctional playground and children
Photos of the equipped cabinet for scientific and practical work

1.2 Describe the main external or internal factors that impacted implementation of this commitment and how they were addressed (or not).

The implementation of the commitment “Transparency and openness of local self-government” was carried out smoothly and in accordance with the approved action plan. During the reporting period, there were no significant internal or external factors that negatively impacted the implementation process or the timely delivery of planned activities.

• Internally, the project benefited from effective coordination, timely allocation of resources, and clear communication among all involved departments. All planned tasks were executed as scheduled, with responsibilities clearly defined and followed.
• Externally, the process was positively supported by strong civic engagement. Citizens actively participated in the consultation phase by providing suggestions and feedback through both electronic and paper questionnaires. This input was efficiently collected, analyzed, and incorporated into the final selection of activities, without causing any delays or disruptions.

Favorable weather conditions and well-managed procurement procedures also contributed to the smooth execution of infrastructure-related activities, such as the reconstruction of the multifunctional playground and the development of the school cabinet.

Overall, the absence of obstacles, combined with proactive planning and implementation, ensured that the commitment was fulfilled within the set timeframe and budget, with all activities completed to a high standard and aligned with the intended objectives.

1.3 Was the commitment implemented as originally planned?

All of the commitment milestones were implemented as planned

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

1. Preparations for implementing the commitment and establishing contacts with LC have been realized from 01.01.2025 to 31.01.2025 according to the action plan
2. Filling out questionnaires for citizens’ needs, ideas, initiatives, and priorities for promotion of a transparent and open municipality has been realized from 01.02.2025 to 31.03.2025 according to the action plan
3. Joint meeting of the representatives of the LC with the Mayor and heads of all relevant departments of the Municipality, and presentation of the previously summarized requests of the citizens, has been realized from 01.04.2025 to 30.04.2025 according to the action plan
4. After the meeting of all stakeholders, priority measures were selected. This was realized from 01.05.2025 to 31.05.2025 according to the action plan
5. Implementation of the selected measure in accordance with the needs of the citizens was realized from 01.06.2025 to 31.08.2025 according to the action plan.

Provide evidence for your answer:

Predlozi za implementacija.pdf
Prasalnici i predlozi.pdf

2.1.1. – Did the government disclose more information; improve the quality of the information (new or existing); improve the value of the information; improve the channels to disclose or request information or improve accessibility to information?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

The implementation of the commitment “Transparency and openness of local self-government” has had a tangible impact on both institutional practices and citizen engagement within the Municipality of Kisela Voda.

• By actively involving citizens in the decision-making process through public consultations and structured questionnaires, the local government strengthened trust and improved its responsiveness to community needs. As a result of the commitment, the government disclosed more information related to local development plans and the implementation of selected activities.
• Furthermore, there was a noticeable improvement in the quality of the information shared. Information was more structured, relevant, and aligned with the interests and concerns expressed by citizens during the consultation process.
• The value of the information also improved significantly, as it directly influenced the selection of final activities—such as the reconstruction of the multifunctional playground and the establishment of the school cabinet. Citizens could see how their input shaped outcomes, which increased the perceived relevanceAccording to the OGP Articles of Governance, OGP commitments should include a clear open government lens. Specifically, they should advance at least one of the OGP values: transparency, citizen partic... and credibility of the local government’s work.
• In addition, the channels for information disclosure and feedback were enhanced. The municipality utilized both digital platforms and traditional methods (e.g., paper questionnaires, public notice boards) to ensure that all community members—including those without internet access—could participate and stay informed.
• Lastly, the accessibility of information was improved through simplified language, visual materials, and the use of multiple platforms, making it easier for a diverse population to understand and engage with local government processes.

Overall, the commitment not only improved transparency but also fostered a more inclusive and participatory approach to local governance, with clear and measurable benefits for both citizens and municipal institutions.

Provide evidence for your answer:

Sostanok so gradonacalnik.pdf

2.1.2. – Did the government create new opportunities to seek feedback from citizens/enable participation inform or influence decisions; improve existing channels or spaces to seek feedback from citizens/enable participation/ inform or influence decisions; create or improve capabilities in the government or the public aimed to improve how the government seeks feedback from citizens/enables participation/ or allows for the public to inform or influence decisions?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

Through the implementation of the commitment “Transparency and openness of local self-government,” the Municipality of KiselaVoda significantly improved existing channels for public participation and feedback.

The municipality used previously established methods, such as community outreach, and strengthened them with more structured, inclusive, and consistent processes. A key example was the distribution and collection of citizen questionnaires, both in electronic and paper formats, across all local communities. With the public consultations, this initiative improved the depth and quality of participation by ensuring that all citizens had equal access to express their views, needs, and priorities, regardless of their digital access or demographic background. The feedback mechanisms were also more clearly linked to actual decision-making. Citizens saw their ideas directly influence final decisions, such as the selection of the school cabinet and the multifunctional playground, which led to greater trust in the municipality and a stronger sense of civic ownership. This improvement in participatory processes has also encouraged more active and sustained engagement from the community. Residents are now more aware of how and where to share their opinions and more confident that their input will be considered. In practice, this has contributed to a more transparent, inclusive, and responsive model of local governance.

Provide evidence for your answer:

Analysis of questionnaires in electronic form.pdf
Analysis of printed questionnaires.pdf

2.1.3 Did the government create or improve channels, opportunities or capabilities to hold officials answerable to their actions?

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

As part of the implementation of the commitment “Transparency and openness of local self-government,” the Municipality of Kisela Voda strengthened mechanisms that allow the public to hold officials accountable for their actions and decisions.

By publicly disclosing detailed information on project selection, the municipality created a more transparent environment where citizens could track the outcomes. The publication of results, such as the completed school cabinet and playground, enabled residents to verify whether their ideas were fulfilled. Furthermore, the use of public consultations and questionnaires established a clear, traceable link between citizen input and municipal action. This increased the visibility of decision-making processes and gave citizens a reference point to question or challenge deviations from the action plan. Although no formal accountability bodies were newly created, these improvements in information flow, public participation, and follow-up communication collectively enhanced the ability of citizens and civil society to observe the municipality’s performance.

As a result, public officials became more accountable for meeting the needs and acting on the priorities expressed by the community. In practice, this has led to greater transparency and open government.

Provide evidence for your answer:

Decision for selection of commitment measures.pdf

2.1.4 Other Results

Yes

Degree of result:

Major

Explanation: In narrative form, what has been the impact on people or practice.

In addition to the improvements in transparency, citizen participationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to m... More, and accountability, the implementation of the commitment “Transparency and openness of local self-government” also generated several positive secondary outcomes that contributed to long-term institutional strengthening and civic engagement.

One key result was the increased institutional capacity of the municipal administration. Through the process of organizing consultations, collecting and analyzing citizen input, and managing the implementation of activities, staff gained practical experience in participatory governance methods, project coordination, and responsive public service deliveryTo ensure that citizens of all groups are better supported by the government, OGP participating governments are working to improve the quality of and access to public services. Commitments in this are... More.

Moreover, the project helped to strengthen relationships between the municipality and local communities. This has laid the groundwork for sustained engagement in future initiatives and contributed to enhancing civic awareness and democratic culture at the local level. By demonstrating that citizen input can lead to tangible results, the commitment has encouraged greater civic responsibility and participation in municipal affairs.

Another valuable outcome of the implementation of the selected measures (equipping the cabinet for scientific and practical work) was the active involvement of students during the installation and commissioning of the new equipment. With enthusiasm and genuine interest, students participated in connecting the computers, installing software, and performing basic system configuration tasks. This hands-on involvement not only contributed meaningfully to the preparation of the IT lab but also provided students with a rare opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context—reinforcing and expanding on what they had learned during informatics classes. The entire process was carried out under the professional supervision of the school principal, who provided guidance and advice to help students further develop their digital literacy and practical skills. This support ensured that the learning experience was both educational and aligned with best practices. The students demonstrated responsibility, curiosity, and a strong desire to learn. This confirms the dual benefit of such initiatives: improved infrastructure for the school and meaningful opportunities for students to enhance their competencies.

Provide evidence for your answer:

Photos of the joint meeting.pdf

2.2 Did the commitment address the public policy problem that it intended to address as described in the action plan?

Yes

Provide a brief explanation of your answer:

The commitment “Transparency and openness of local self-government” was designed to address the crucial need for improved participation in decision-making processes and enhanced accountability within the Municipality of Kisela Voda.
This commitment sought to bring the work of the local government closer to the public by fostering a more transparent, inclusive, and participatory approach to governance. By institutionalizing two-way communication between citizens, Local Communities, and municipal authorities, the initiative aimed to ensure that community needs and priorities are systematically collected, analyzed, and acted upon. Through structured processes, such as resident questionnaires, local-level consultations, and joint coordination meetings between Local Communities’ presidents, municipal departments, and the Mayor, the commitment enabled citizens to voice their concerns and ideas, while also ensuring that the local government was accountable for responding in a timely and resource-aware manner.

Provide evidence for your answer:

Web publication of the joint meeting-pdf

3. Provide at least one lesson or reflection relating to the implementation of this commitment. It can be the identification of key barriers to implementation, an unexpected help/hindrance, recommendations for future commitments, or if the commitment should be taken forward to the next action plan.

One key lesson from the implementation of the commitment “Transparency and openness of local self-government” is the critical importance of strong coordination between local institutions and structured citizen engagement mechanisms. While the overall process was successfully carried out and met its objectives, it became clear that the effectiveness of such initiatives depends heavily on the institutional capacity of Local Communities (LCs) to act as functional intermediaries between citizens and the municipal administration.
The use of LCs as a communication bridge proved effective in mobilizing citizen input and channeling it into structured dialogue with municipal leadership. However, this also highlighted the need for ongoing support and capacity-building for LC representatives, particularly in areas such as data collection, facilitation of community dialogue, and communication of outcomes back to residents. Another valuable reflection is that citizen trust increases significantly when participation is visibly linked to results. The selection and implementation of projects, based on public input, such as the playground reconstruction and school cabinet, strengthened civic confidence in the municipality. This suggests that future commitments should continue to prioritize visible, community-driven outcomes, coupled with clear and timely feedback loops to the public.