Innovating democratic participation at local level in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Back Deliberative methods: Council of Europe Congress calls for greater citizen participation beyond elections

Deliberative methods have become one of the most innovative ways of deepening citizens' participation in political decision-making and contribute to strengthening public trust in the political process, argued Karl-Heinz Lambertz (Belgium, SOC/V/DP), presenting a report adopted by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities at its 42nd Session on 23 March 2022.

"Deliberative processes increase transparency and citizens' confidence in the decisions that are taken," the rapporteur stressed. Indeed, these forms of non-electoral citizen participation allow a randomly selected group of citizens to formulate proposals to the authorities. They correspond to the principles outlined in the 2009 Additional Protocol to the European Charter of Local Self-Government on the right to participate in local affairs, which will mark its 10th anniversary of entry into effect on June 1.

The report offers guidelines for municipalities and regions, illustrated by case studies at the local and regional levels: Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Oud-Heverlee (Belgium), Scottish Climate Assembly (UK) and Ostbelgien (Belgium). "Thanks to the participation of citizens, the action plan of the City of Mostar was adopted unanimously, taking into account their recommendations in the spending plans of public services," said the Mayor of Mostar, referring to the Citizens' Assembly organised within the framework of the project "Building Democratic Participation in the City of Mostar" implemented by the Congress.

The Congress calls for the further implementation of deliberative methods at all levels of governance, identifying specific issues where these mechanisms could contribute to the decision-making process. It stresses the need to plan the whole process, to allocate the necessary time for citizen deliberation, and specifically, to define fair criteria for the selection of participants. The deliberative process could be institutionalized by ensuring that local governments are provided with the necessary financial means.

42nd Session
Agenda – Web file – Multimedia (Live webcasts, interviews, videos and photos

Strasbourg 23 March 2022

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The project “Innovating democratic participation at local level in Bosnia and Herzegovina” aims to enhance the quality of local democracy and create opportunities for citizens to engage in innovative participatory processes in Mostar and elsewhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It promotes new democratic approaches, open government, public ethics, transparent and inclusive local policy making in the country.

The project is implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe as part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025, and in line with the principles enshrined in the European Charter for Local Self-Government (ETS No. 122) and its Additional Protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority (CETS No.207).

OUTCOMES

Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina enjoy enhanced local democracy and more transparent local public institutions
Local authorities embed inclusive and innovative deliberative approaches to enhance decision-making
Local elected representatives and public officials strengthen their capacities to engage in collaborative governance and co-creation with citizens and civil society organisations.

METHODOLOGY

This project builds on the fruitful co-operation with the City of Mostar and the positive results of the first deliberative process in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the form of a citizens’ assembly. Support will be provided for the implementation of the Action Plan adopted in response to the citizens’ recommendations, and to conduct a second citizens’ assembly.

The best practices of deliberative democracy will be further promoted. Following a call for interest, another local authority in Bosnia and Herzegovina will benefit from project support to set up a tailored deliberative process.

Capacity development activities will be proposed to local authorities across the country with a view to enhancing the quality of local democracy and fostering collaborative governance and co-creation with citizens and civil society. These activities will be designed in close co-operation with the Associations of Municipalities and Cities from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and from Republika Srpska.

The Congress will also provide local and international expertise and support in the field of good governance and democracy, including academic support through the Group of Independent Experts to the Charter, for the development of practices and policies.

A peer-to-peer approach, including with the members of the Congress, will be used for exchanges and sharing of knowledge, know-how and practices across Europe. This support will be provided directly to local authorities and in close co-operation with the associations of local authorities.

Active participation of stakeholders at local level will be ensured, ranging from the general public to interest groups, NGOs, academia and local authorities.

EXPECTED RESULTS

Mostar City Authorities implement the action plan approved by the City Council as a follow-up to the citizens’ recommendations stemming from the first deliberative process held in 2021
A deliberative process is commissioned and organised under the leadership of the Mayor and City Council of Mostar
The mayor, local councillors, and public officials from a selected local authority in Bosnia and Herzegovina develop further their capacities to implement an inclusive deliberative process
A deliberative process is designed in one more local authority in Bosnia and Herzegovina and citizens formulate proposals to local decision-makers
The two associations of municipalities and cities promote transparent, accountable, and participatory local governance through peer exchanges and advocacy
Local authorities enhance their capacities on innovative practices for inclusive, transparent and participatory local governance.

PARTNERS AND BENEFICIARIES

Citizens of Mostar and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The City of Mostar and authorities of the selected towns or cities in BiH
Association of Municipalities and Cities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Association of Municipalities and Cities of Republika Srpska
Civil society and media.

The Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025 is a strategic programming instrument that aims to bring Bosnia and Herzegovina’s legislation, institutions and practice further into line with European standards in the areas of human rights, the rule of law and democracy. The Action Plan is intended to support the country’s efforts to honour its obligations as a Council of Europe member State.

Within this framework, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is implementing the project "Innovating democratic participation at local level in Bosnia and Herzegovina". This action is based on the needs and recommendations voiced by relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries and builds upon the results of the project “Building democratic participation in the City of Mostar”.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

www.coe.int/en/web/congress/co-operation-activities

Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo

www.coe.int/en/web/sarajevo

Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022 – 2025

www.coe.int/en/web/programmes/bosnia-and-herzegovina

Mostar Citizens’ Assembly

www.mostargradimo.ba

Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

www.coe.int/congress

The Council of Europe is the continent’s leading human rights organisation. It comprises 46 member states, including all the members of the European Union. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is an institution of the Council of Europe, responsible for strengthening local and regional democracy in its 46 member states. Composed of two chambers – the Chamber of Local Authorities and the Chamber of Regions – and three committees, it brings together 612 elected officials representing more than 130 000 local and regional authorities.