Enabling Environment for Social Accountability in ... - SASANet

3) CSOs should be a primary means for disseminating information about pending bills and recent
legislation to an informed public and should be encouraged to assist in disseminating this
information to the broader public.
4) The media, in particular public broadcasters, should produce public interest programs about
pending issues, proceedings, and key decisions by public bodies.
Finding 3.3.3. Public officials deny or delay access to information, whereas the absence of a
comprehensive Access to Information Law undermines the ability of civil society to exercise its
constitutional right to access information held by public bodies.
Recommendations:
1) Public officials should enact the comprehensive Access to Information Law, currently on the
parliamentary agenda. To assist in that process, CSOs should continue their efforts to ensure that
the Law meets constitutional and international standards. This includes a general presumption of
openness, clear procedures for citizens to access information, and a narrow regime of exceptions
to the right of access.
2) The Law should also provide for a right to appeal any refusals or undue delays to an
administrative body. This body could be either an existing body, such as the National Human
Rights Commission, or one specifically created for this purpose, such as an Information
Commissioner. Once operational, a capacity-building program should be established so that this
body is able to fulfill its responsibilities under the Law. Any further appeals should be assigned to
the courts.
3) After the law is adopted, stakeholders should ensure that it is implemented effectively. CSOs
should make active use of the law through comprehensive training and increased incentives for
public officials to act efficiently in providing the public access to information, publicity to ensure
the public is aware of its right to information, and training for judges to ensure effective
implementation of the legislation.
Finding 3.3.4. CSOs are providing critical alternative information through the conduct of independent
research or the creation of forums, including newspapers, that confirms, counters, or expands upon the
information provided by the GOM.
Recommendations:
1) With initial technical and financial support from the international community, CSOs should
expand their provision of alternative sources of information to fill in gaps and to confirm the
accuracy of official information. Collaboration among CSOs working in similar or overlapping
areas may promote efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
2) Given the costs of research, CSOs should collaborate with the GoM and other international actors
who are analyzing related issues. Donors should provide start-up funding for data collection and
analysis in policy areas critical to governance and development.
3.4 SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY THROUGH NEGOTIATION
Citizens’ participation in governance beyond the electoral process enhances the effectiveness of
government and its socioeconomic policies. 48 When civil society actors Negotiate with public officials,
48 A great deal has been written about the role of citizens in governance. See, for example, the OCED publication,
Citizens as Partners (2001).