Deliberative Democracy (BATNK0002)

Commitment ID

BATNK0002

Commitment Title

Deliberative Democracy

Problem

The lack of clarity and understanding regarding the roles and responsibilities of municipal councilors, local government authorities, and citizens in the decision-making process has led to low civic engagement. Additionally, citizens are often confused due to their limited understanding of the competencies and responsibilities of the municipality and the municipal council, leading to a disconnect between the local government and the community.

Status quo

Currently, the main channels of communication between the municipality and citizens include in-person interactions at the municipal building, the official municipal website, and social media platforms, where information about the work of the municipal council is regularly shared. However, comments from citizens often indicate a lack of clarity regarding the exact responsibilities and competencies of the municipality and the municipal council. Additionally, the platform JavnaRasprava.ba is used, where the mayor responds to questions from citizens, and a Citizens’ Advisory Board has been established to foster public participation. Despite these efforts, both citizens and municipal councilors still lack a full understanding of the roles and mandates of local government bodies. As a result, there is a clear need for targeted training and the creation of an informative brochure to improve understanding and support more effective civic engagement.

Action

The commitment entails the development and distribution of an easy-to-understand guide ("Guide through Municipal Administration") aimed at educating both citizens and municipal councilors about the roles, responsibilities, and competencies of local government institutions, especially the Municipal Council. In addition, the commitment includes the training of the Citizens’ Advisory Board and councilors to enhance their understanding and capacity for meaningful participation in local decision-making processes.

The expected results include improved awareness among citizens about how local government functions, increased trust in municipal institutions, more informed and constructive public engagement, and a stronger connection between the community and decision-makers. The overall objective is to promote deliberative democracy at the local level by increasing transparency, participation, and mutual understanding between citizens and local authorities.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

This commitment directly addresses the issue of limited understanding of local government competencies by providing clear, accessible, and educational materials for both citizens and municipal councilors. By developing a guide, organizing training sessions, and strengthening the Citizens' Advisory Board, the initiative will increase transparency, improve understanding of roles and responsibilities within the municipal structure, and foster more active and informed citizen participation in decision-making.

Expected outputs:

A developed and distributed guide on the competencies of local self-government

Conducted training sessions for citizens, councilors, and members of the Advisory Board,

Increased number of citizens engaged in dialogue with local authorities

Greater citizen participation in local decision-making processes

Strengthened trust between citizens and the local government

Improved deliberative democracy at the level of Travnik Municipality

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

This commitment relates to the following long-term goal/ Vision:

To enhance transparency and citizen participation in decision-making processes through the development of deliberative democracy and the strengthening of the capacities of local authorities and citizens

Primary Policy Area

Civic Space, Legislative Openness

Primary Sector

Education, Public Services (general)

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?