Share publication
City Democracy Index. 2016
Report prepared by:
About publication
This report is the result of a thorough study of the regulatory and legal framework of 48 Ukrainian cities as of 2016 regarding the transparency, openness, and accountability of local authorities. The authors analyze exactly how mechanisms of interaction between officials and citizens are regulated at the local level through community charters, council regulations, and provisions. The focus is on tools such as public hearings, electronic petitions, participatory budgeting, as well as residents' access to meetings of deputy commissions and city council sessions.
Who will benefit?
- Local authorities
- Activists
- Journalists
Key findings:
A comparative analysis of the democracy of procedures and practices in cities is reflected through an original approach to assessing barriers and the declarative nature of norms in local democracy acts. In particular, violations of deadlines for publishing draft decisions, restrictions on free access for citizens to meetings, and the establishment of excessively high requirements for submitting petitions or initiating hearings were identified in many cities. The reader will be able to compare the Democracy Index scores and find useful advice. The authors emphasize that to have a real impact on community life, it is necessary to stipulate clear, accessible, and understandable procedures in local acts.