Open Government Partnership’s Post

𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐬. 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞: 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞   By Abu Bakarr Jalloh CEO, Sanusi Research & Consulting A new study examining elections in Senegal and Sierra Leone reveals a fascinating difference in how citizens engage in their democracies. While both countries have established formal civil society organizations (CSOs), the study suggests these groups may have limitations. The research, based on firsthand observations of multiple elections in both nations, highlights potential drawbacks of formal CSOs. Their reliance on donor funding can restrict their agendas to priorities set by funders, rather than local needs. Additionally, their activities may be concentrated in capital cities, neglecting the concerns of citizens in outlying areas. This can lead to a perception that they are less effective in driving meaningful change. Senegal, according to the study, presents a contrasting approach. Here, informal social groups and activities, even those not explicitly political in nature, play a crucial role. These everyday interactions build social capital – a network of trust, skills, and connections. This capital can then be mobilized for various purposes, including holding the government accountable. The study cites two recent examples. The successful citizen resistance against former President Wade's attempt at a third term in 2012. Moreover, last month’s presidential election witnessed a similar story unfold. Public pressure, built on these informal networks, rejected President Sall's attempt to influence the succession plan, leading to Bassirou Diomaye Faye's surprise landslide victory. These instances showcase how informal networks can be a powerful force for political change. The study delves beyond Senegal, drawing parallels with historical events. It suggests that strong traditions of informal social interaction can be a lasting substitute for formal organizations. The case of Spain's transition to democracy in the 1970s is presented as an example – a society lacking robust formal structures used its informal networks to maintain trust and prevent chaos. Similar dynamics were observed in Sierra Leone after the military coup in 1992, where residents drew on their existing social connections to address community needs. This study underlines the importance of understanding the different ways citizens can participate in their democracies. While formal CSOs play a role, informal networks can be equally powerful in promoting democratic participation and holding governments accountable. The contrasting approaches of Senegal and Sierra Leone highlight the diverse ways citizens can shape their political realities.

When a pandemic hits an economy are citizens willing to temporarily suspend democratic principles for possible protection from the pandemic? Using survey data from Afrobarometer, I assess how the effects of COVID-19 influence Zambians’ willingness to sacrifice democratic principles. Here is the Working Paper: https://bit.ly/3ERny3W Leaders of Africa

I had the privilege to participate in the national action plan for open government by the international organization OGP. OGP in an international partnership, includes 88 countries, aiming to promote open governance, democracy and partnership between governments and civil society. The current action plan for 2023-2025 is the result of hard work of "Israel National Digital Agency" along with representative of various ministry offices, academic institutes, business sector and professional experts. The plan represents core values of transparency, accountability, public participation and technological innovation. It presents a list of governmental commitments in issues that reflects the public interests and needs. As part of the experts team dealing with Gender issues, we prepared a governmental commitment to create a better apply the Equal Pay Law, to create a platform to supervise employers' gender gap reports and to promote analyzation and learning of the actual data in those reports. Congratulations to all the partners, it is truly inspiring work! Now we all must follow the plan and make sure that we keep promoting our core values as a society, even in these challenging times. To read more, a link to the National Action Plan in OGP Website: https://lnkd.in/dCQmNX38 #transparency #public_participation #accountability #national_action_plan מערך הדיגיטל הלאומי - Israel National Digital Agency

Does Ghana's democracy live up to its promises? In this new blog, the Center's D&D Fellow, John Osae-Kwapong (PhD) examines the findings. The 2022 Afrobarometer survey reveals a satisfaction rate of 51%, a low record compared to previous years. What is the reason? What promises does democracy make to Ghanaians? Explore the data and join the discussion. #CDDPublications #DemocracyMonth  #CDDGhanaAt25

Research ICT Africa and International Media Support have just released a report on workshops convened in Cape Town last month, aptly titled "Data for Democracy Action: Countering disinformation in African elections through open access to data and journalism as a public good".   Among workshops' outputs cited in the report: 1. Agreement about the value of convening similar “nexus discussions” (across disciplines and institutions), at national level in African countries facing elections.  2. Strong recognition of the importance of developing actual coalitions on the ground - which can anticipate, assess and act against disinformation threats to upcoming elections.  3. Combined realisation that access to, and the impactful use of, data - in particular from dominant tech companies - in times of elections is a shared challenge but also a unifying goal across sectors.  4. The African Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information expressed interest in possibly co-operating to advance agreed outcomes of the workshop.  5. A senior information commissioner proposed developing implementation guidelines on access to information and data in relation to elections. Participants discussed that such a document, developed consultatively, could fuse the pertinent aspects from existing pan-African documents dealing with information access and data governance. 6. Attracted commitments to take the issues raised into wider networks, such as the Africa Network of Information Commissioners and also the African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance.  7. Surfaced offers of a capacity-building at country level. 8. Triggered enthusiasm to form an African community of practice informally called “Data for democracy action”.     Link to full report: https://lnkd.in/gXUV7HS4   #elections #disinformation #access #democracy #platforms

It may appear to be a short period, but for those who have witnessed all the events unfolding at the NEBE, it has been a long and challenging journey. It is an arduous and demanding expedition. It entails undisclosed aspects, an incredibly strenuous rollercoaster ride, numerous hurdles, and the necessity to start from the beginning (while maintaining a tight schedule due to the upcoming 6th general election). Consequently, it becomes essential to reorganize the institution with a proficient workforce, providing them with the required resources, meticulously crafting legal documents, engaging in consultations with stakeholders, and undertaking various other tasks. Despite the initial skepticism surrounding the possibility of a peaceful election due to the government's questionable legitimacy and the Electoral board's tarnished reputation, Chairperson Ms. Birtukan Mideksa defied expectations. It is evident that the 6th general election was not flawless, but it managed to transpire in a peaceful manner. The promising support from numerous political parties regarding its legitimacy, along with positive reports from both local and international observers, serve as encouraging indicators. She not only aimed at establishing an institution but also focused on empowering a generation by providing opportunities for numerous aspiring young professionals in Ethiopia to showcase their talents, particularly emphasizing the inclusion and empowerment of young women. Now is the moment to bid farewell, Birtukan. It has been a privilege to collaborate with you for nearly three years, serving as the media engagement consultant under your guidance. Your departure will leave a void, and the NEBE will not be unaltered in your absence. Nevertheless, we are committed to nurturing the work culture that you instilled within the organization. We will greatly miss you.

Alarming revelations from a recent Afrobarometer survey suggest that Uganda's democracy is facing a perilous decline, prompting concerns among politicians and researchers about the potential consequences if immediate action is not taken. The 2021/2022 survey, spanning over 39 countries, including Uganda, indicates a stark disparity between the demand for democracy and its actual implementation. Experts warn that this trend is contributing to a surge in coups across Africa, particularly in the western

WHY CITIZEN MASS CAMPAIGN 2030. According to the Afro barometer data 2021, Afro barometer. Is A pan-African, Independent non -partisan research network that measures public attitudes on economic, political and social matters in 42 African countries. The study reveals that the citizens of EAC knows little or nothing about the status , progress, Benefits and achievements of the EAC. Furthermore, Afro barometer dispatch No.544/23 August 2022/ Mercy Kaburu and Carolyn logan , The Afro barometer team in Kenya, based at the institute for development studies (IDS) at the university of Nairobi, Interviewed national, representatives, random, stratified probability sample of 2, 400 Adult kenyans in November 2021. Sample of this size yields country level results with margin error of +/-2 percentage point of 95% confidence level. KEY FINDINGS. Two -thirds (66%) of kenyans have either heard " nothing " (36%) or just small amount (22%) about the proposed East African Federation (EAF) or else say they don't know (8%). Only narrow majority (52%) approve of allowing the free movement of good , services and labour across national boarders, even fewer ( 49%) support monetary union or common currency. Half (50%) of kenyans disapprove of the formation of unitary government for East African, while only (44%) favour this plan. Only three in 10 kenyans (29%) say they have heard "some "or great deal about " the East African legislative Assembly. plurality (47%) of kenyans, say ordinary people should choose their Representatives to EALA through direct popular vote, while (44%) prefer to have their chosen by Kenyan parliament. The situation looks to be entirely similar or less in other member states people's perceptions. This begs the question on whether we are integrating people or countries? It was against this background, CMC EAC2030 CAMPAIGN , was launched as part of our communication and advocacy strategies to fill the gap of information sharing from key different entities of EAC to the final consumers ( CITIZENS) .This will captivate the charisma of our people to appreciate and participate in the integration processes process.