QUARTERLY MONITORING REPORT Adherence to the law in local governance
Publisher: Emancipimi Civil Ma Ndryshe (EC MA Ndryshe), Kosovo Date: June 2012 Volume: 14 pages, pdf Description This report summarizes the quarterly performance of monitoring (September, October and November 2012) within the project “Online Transparency of the Prizren Municipality”. Monitoring findings during this period prove that deficient transparency in decision-making has led the municipal leaders to render on several occasions decisions which do not square with the interests of citizens or residents of certain neighborhoods, which in extreme cases had no legal basis either, being in contradiction with the laws in force or the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. Yet, adherence to the law is the main requirement for good governance. Transparency should not be an arguable issue, as the transparency and accountability constitute the first step towards good and effective governance. Proper transparency on decision-making goes in favour of both the community and municipal leaders. Being informed on municipal projects aids the citizens to identify and connect with the community. Such a connection is crucial for local government to operate effectively and to render decisions for public interest. In addition, dissemination of information is a principal precondition for addressing the citizens’ priorities and for rational budget drafting. Proper coordination among the triangle – citizen, municipality and government – enables the identification and problem solving for citizens, but also provides a contribution in preventing from violating of the law.