Inception Report – Action plan – Kisela Voda, North Macedonia, 2025 – 2025
Overview
Name of Evaluator
Danijela Petrusheva and Gorana Andonova
Member Name
Kisela Voda, North Macedonia
Action PlanAction plans are at the core of a government’s participation in OGP. They are the product of a co-creation process in which government and civil society jointly develop commitments to open governmen... Title
Action plan – Kisela Voda, North Macedonia, 2025 – 2025
Section 1.
Compliance with
co-creation requirements
1.1 Does a forum exist?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
At the beginning of the creation of the inception report by the Independent Monitoring Body (IMB), the members of IMB asked and received all the relevant materials and documents for preparation of the Inception Report.
After submitting an expression of interest and application in January 2024 in partnership with International Republican Institute (IRI) and Center for YouthRecognizing that investing in youth means investing in a better future, OGP participating governments are creating meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in government processes. Technical ... More Activism (CYA), and after the admission of Municipality of Kisela Voda in OGP Local in May 2024, the local government started the process of co-creation of the Action Plan.
As basic required standards of co-creation and participation of the Local Open Government PartnershipThe Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving government transparency, ensuring opportunities for citizen participation in public matters, and strengthen... More, a forum was created in July 2024 constituting of different stakeholders:
- Municipality of Kisela Voda partnered with International Republican Institute (IRI) and Center for Youth Activism (CYA).
- Municipal OGP Local working group is composed by 5 employees (Tanja Atanasovska Ivanovska, Angela Taseva, Pavlina Ribarska, Ana Gjurovska, Katerina Siljanoska)
- Civil Society is represented by Metamorphosis Foundation, Center for Change Management (CUP), Center for Civic Communications, Association for Research Analysis (ZMAI) and Center for Economic Analysis
These information shows that a forum is created and exists. The creation of the forum is in compliance with all necessary rules and regulations for a transparent process, partnership and government structure.
The process of forum creation, as well as the structure of the forum is described in details and fully acceptable.
Attached documents are letters for support by partner organizations:
- Letter for support by IRI
- Letter of support by CYA
Provide evidence for your answer:
Letter of support by CYA
Letter for support by IRI
1.2 Is the forum multi-stakeholder?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The forum brought together representatives from both, the government and non-governmental sector. Each representative gave their expertise and feedback regarding the strategic vision and commitments of the action plan. With this step transparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More was enhanced, accountability and openness in its work and relations with the involved parties.
The stakeholders involved in the co-creation are from different areas of expertise: democratic society, responsible governance, increasing the transparency, responsibility and accountability of institutions, effective policies for good governance in the public sector, equal opportunities and non-discrimination, automation process.
The requirements that the forum includes governmental and non-governmental representatives is satisfactory fulfilled, well explained and acceptable.
Attached document:
1. List of non-governmental representatives with links to web site
Provide evidence for your answer:
List of Civil Society Representatives
1.3 Does the forum hold at least one meeting with civil society and non-governmental stakeholders during the co-creation of the action plan?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
On 31 October, a meeting was convened, which preceded an official invitation by the local government to a large number of civil society organizations, allowing all interested parties to participate in the co-creation processCollaboration between government, civil society and other stakeholders (e.g., citizens, academics, private sector) is at the heart of the OGP process. Participating governments must ensure that a dive... and to discuss key matters of co-creation of the action plan. Also, on the meeting attended the mayor of Municipality of Kisela Voda, Mr. Orce Gjorgjievski. The gathering was organized with the aim of fostering collaboration, aligning objectives, and addressing critical issues that impact the strategic vision and selected commitments. Underscoring the commitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... of all parties to work together efficiently, leveraging their collective knowledge and resources for optimal outcomes. A series of follow-up actions for improvement of certain parameters were established to ensure continued progress and accountability.
This requirement is fully implemented and acceptable.
Attached documents:
- List of participants
- Photos
Provide evidence for your answer:
1.4 Has the action plan been endorsed by the stakeholders of the forum or steering committeeThe Steering Committee is OGP’s executive decision-making body. Its role is to develop, promote and safeguard OGP’s values, principles and interests; establish OGP’s core ideas, policies, and ru.../group?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
After the realization of the first forum meeting, joint consultation, analysis, and continuous communication with the involved stakeholders have begun. The following members of the forum were involved in the endorsement: Dance Danilovska Bajdevska-Metamorphosis; Marijana Jancevska-Metamorphosis; German Filkov-Center for Civic Communications (CCC); Sabina Fakikj-Center for Civic Communications; Viktor Mitevski- Association for Research and Analysis – ZMAI; Vesna Gavranlieva Andonova-Center for Economic Analysis; Neda Maleska Sacmaroska- Center for Change Management – CUP.
The first draft version of the OGP Local action plan was sent to all forum members on December 17, 2024, which meticulously assessed the proposed draft action plan. A few of the stakeholders (CCC and Metamorphosis) gave their guidance and opinions, which have been incorporated in the AP, before defining the final version.
Their endorsement, therefore is a robust validation that the action plan is both practical and effective in achieving its stated commitments and strategic vision. Also this shows that Municipality of Kisela Voda is using the participatory method and bottom-up approach as very important and main methods of creation of the AP.
Endorsement of approval of the final AP from forum members is described very clearly in details and it is fully satisfactory.
Attached documents:
- Mail send to CSO stakeholders with draft version of AP
- Mail with Comments for draft version of AP by “Metamorphosis”
- Mail with Comments for draft version of AP by “CCC”
Provide evidence for your answer:
Mail to CSO, draft AP.pdf
Mail Metamorphosis, draft AP.pdf
Mail CCC, draft AP.pdf
Section 2.
Recommended practices
in co-creation
2.1 Does the government maintain a Local OGP website or webpage on a government website where information on the OGP Local process (co-creation and implementation) is proactively published?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The municipality’s website as essential platform for disseminating vital information to the community about the OGP process is fully acceptable. This channel is maintained to ensure timely and transparent sharing of the necessary information, providing residents with easy access to updates and announcements, ensuring that all necessary details are readily available to the public, enhancing civic participation and fostering a well-informed community.
Attached document: Information published on website of Municipality of Kisela Voda for OGP Local process of co-creation and implementation (with links to each information).
Provide evidence for your answer:
2.2 Did the government provide information to stakeholders in advance to facilitate informed and prepared participation in the co-creation process?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The local government has formally extended an official invitation to all relevant and interested parties, ensuring they are provided with all required information to facilitate a productive and successful meeting. This comprehensive communication included detailed explanation for an informed discussion. By proactively equipping all stakeholders with the essential information in advance, the local government successfully engaged a collaborative environment and had ensured that the meeting proceeded efficiently, with all participants fully prepared to contribute meaningfully to the deliberations.
Attached document: Invitation
Provide evidence for your answer:
2.3 Did the government ensure that any interested member of the public could make inputs into the action plan and observe or have access to decision-making documentation?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
After the realization of the first forum meeting, following the conclusion of the meeting, the stakeholders promptly have sent valuable new information that significantly enriched the ongoing discussion. Their comments and expected inputs were sent by e-mail to the Municipality of Kisela Voda, providing insightful contribution and essential links towards significant information that further clarified key points and supported the proposed strategies.
The inclusionOGP participating governments are working to create governments that truly serve all people. Commitments in this area may address persons with disabilities, women and girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, tr... More of such pertinent information strengths the overall creation of the AP and ensures that the co-creation process is equipped with the most up-to-date resources, fostering a more collaborative and effective approach which fully satisfies and accepts the public opinion.
Attached documents:
1. Inputs by “CUP”;
2. Inputs by “Metamorphosis”
Provide evidence for your answer:
Inputs_Metamorphosis.pdf
Inputs_CUP.pdf
2.4 Did the government proactively report back or provide written feedback to stakeholders on how their contributions were considered during the creation of the action plan?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
With a public announcement on social media, the local government expressed its gratitude and the importance of the comments of the forum members in the creation of the AP.
Opinions, recommendations and suggestions from the stakeholders are essential for AP creation and directing of the efforts of the Municipality of Kisela Voda towards even greater transparency and inclusiveness. The leap in transparency that Municipality of Kisela Voda have achieved already says a lot about their commitments. The Local Government is eager to complete success, with the ideas and suggestions contributed by the forum organization members, with aim to build the most successful AP that will lead forward towards higher transparency, digitalization and open Local Government.
Attached document:
1. Public gratitude
Provide evidence for your answer:
2.5 Was there an iterative dialogue and shared ownership between government and non-governmental stakeholders during the decision making process, including setting the agenda?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The decision-making process during AP creation is characterized by an iterative dialogue and a strong sense of shared ownership between governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. From the outset, all the parties collaborated closely in setting the agenda, and draft the final selection of commitments, ensuring that all relevant perspectives were considered and integrated into the planning process. This inclusive approach started on the first held meeting, than continued throughout constant communication until the creation and endorsement of the final action plan.
After the realization of the first co-creation meeting and sent valuable new information that significantly enriched the ongoing discussion, zoom meeting were realized for defining of two commitments.
Attached document: Information for zoom meeting
Provide evidence for your answer:
2.6 Would you consider the forum to be inclusive and diverse?
Moderately
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
By partnering with CYA (https://www.krik.org.mk/), the local government gained valuable insight into the experiences of marginalized groups, people with disadvantages and socially excluded groups, ensuring that the commitments and strategic vision are adapted and inclusive for everyone equally.
The forum is constructed by equal genderOGP participating governments are bringing gender perspectives to popular policy areas, ensuring diversity in participatory processes, and specifically targeting gender gaps in policies to address gov... More participants, and representatives from wide range of age, including young people.
Attached document: Photos from first forum meeting
Provide evidence for your answer:
Section 3.
Initial evaluation
of commitments
1 Commitment :
Promoting digitalization in the municipality
1.1 Is the commitment verifiable?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The description of the commitments as well as the commitments realization is divided in sections: Description of the commitment, how the commitment contributes to solving the problem and meeting the citizens’ needs, why is the commitment relevant to the OGP values, timeframe for the activities, indicators and means for verifications. All of the segments indicate the validation of verification of the outputs, and measurable outcomes at the end of the commitment implementation period.
According to the time frame of the AP, first action “Consultations with the already selected economic operator for the design and creation of an electronic seal” planned to be implemented in a period of 01.02.2025 until 31.03.2025 is realized. Selected economic operator is KIBS Trust. An order and contract for a qualified certificate for a qualified electronic seal have also been completed. Municipality of Kisela Voda will receive qualified electronic seal VERBA SEAL PKI Token for a legal entity.
Indicators for First Comitment:
- Number of people who submitted requests for e-services by category during the testing period (01.06.2025 – 30.06.2025) ;
- Number of documents issued with an electronic seal during the testing period, by e-service categories (01.06.2025 – 30.06.2025) ;
- Number of people who submitted requests for e-services by category after the official start of use of electronic seal, by categories of e-services (01.07.2025 – 31.08.2025);
- Number of documents issued with an electronic seal after the official start of use of the electronic seal, by categories of e-services (01.07.2025 – 31.08.2025);
Means of verification
- Document issued by the Department for Human Resources Management and Information Technology, Information Technology Unit, with the number of persons who submitted requests for e-services by category during the testing period (01.06.2025 – 30.06.2025);
- Document issued by the Department for Human Resources Management and Information Technology, Information Technology Unit, with the number of documents issued with an electronic seal during the testing period, by e-service categories (01.06.2025 – 30.06.2025);
- Document issued by the Department for Human Resources Management and Information Technology, Information Technology Unit, with the number of persons who submitted requests for e-services by category after the official start of use of electronic printing , by categories of e-services (01.07.2025 – 31.08.2025);
- Document issued by the Department for Human Resources Management and Information Technology, Information Technology Unit with the number of documents issued with an electronic seal after the official start of the use of the electronic seal, by categories of e-services (01.07.2025 – 31.08.2025);
The commitment “Promoting digitalization in the operations of the municipality” is described in details, verifiable and fully acceptable.
Attached document: An order and contract
Provide evidence for your answer:
1.2 Does the commitment language/activities clearly justify relevanceAccording to the OGP Articles of Governance, OGP commitments should include a clear open government lens. Specifically, they should advance at least one of the OGP values: transparency, citizen partic... to OGP values?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The selected commitment and the included activities are written in precise and comprehensive manner. Implementing the commitment represents a significant step toward the strategic vision of the action plan and the local government as well as OGP values, providing citizens with easier access to local government online services.
By improving the digital services Municipality of Kisela Voda significantly contribute to greater transparency, participation and accountability as fundamental values for prove that local government services are more accessible, open, and responsive to citizens. In line with the OGP values, digital services empower citizens and local community with new knowledge, foster collaboration and strengthen democratic processes.
From the period of creation of AP until submission of Inception Report, Municipality of Kisela Voda extended the number with 20 more new e-services. Creation of an electronic seal improving digital services will lead municipality toward focus on developing platforms that foster interaction, transparency, and accountability adhering to core OGP principles.
Attached document: 20 more new e-services.
Provide evidence for your answer:
1.3 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
a continuation of ongoing practice in line with existing legislationCreating and passing legislation is one of the most effective ways of ensuring open government reforms have long-lasting effects on government practices. Technical specifications: Act of creating or r..., policies or requirements.
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The creation of a digital seal is a continuation of the already established practice of issuing online documents by the Municipality of Kisela Voda. Until now, it was possible for citizens to submit requests for obtaining necessary documents online, but to pick up the requested document, due to the lack of an electronic seal, citizens had to personally pick up the documents from the municipality. With the creation of the digital seal, the digitalization of submitting and obtaining documents that are within the jurisdiction of the municipality will be fully finalized.
This process is fully in line with national legislation through the Law on Electronic Documents, Electronic Identification and Trust Services, “Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia No. 101/19 and 275.19. This law aligns with EU RegulationGovernment reformers are developing regulations that enshrine values of transparency, participation, and accountability in government practices. Technical specifications: Act of creating or reforming ... No. 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the European Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC3 with CELEX number 32014R0910.
Attached document: Law for Digitalization Article 1
Provide evidence for your answer:
Law for Digitalization Article 1
1.4 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
is a positive change to a process, practice or policy but will not generate a binding or institutionalized change across government or specific institution(s).
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The creation of the digital seal and the finalization of online issuance of documents to citizens generates institutionalized changes in the work of local self-government that connect the work and responsibilities of the sectors in the municipality, the relationship between various departments, and the relationship between citizens and the municipality to a higher constructive level.
This process is fully in line with national legislation through the Law on Electronic Documents, Electronic Identification and Trust Services, “Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia No. 101/19 and 275.19, Article 2.
This law aligns with EU Regulation No. 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the European Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC3 with CELEX number 32014R0910.
Attached document: Law for Digitalization Article 2
Provide evidence for your answer:
Law for Digitalization Article 2
1.5 Are there any recommended changes to the design of the commitment to help improve its implementation?
The first commitment is extremely clear, described in detail, with a precisely defined time frame and measurable with specific indicators and verifiers. The implementation of the commitment has begun and there are no visible or foreseeable obstacles to finalization.
No changes to the design of the commitment are recommended.
2 Commitment :
Transparency and openness of local self-government
2.1 Is the commitment verifiable?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The commitment “Transparency and openness of local self-government” includes all the necessary segments: The importance of transparency in local governance, key elements of transparency and openness of local government, how the commitment contributes to solving the problem and meeting the needs of the citizens, activities with a time frame throughout the entire implementation of the commitment, including indicators and means of verification, which ensures accountability of the commitment realization and outcomes that can be measured as a result of their completionImplementers must follow through on their commitments for them to achieve impact. For each commitment, OGP’s Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) evaluates the degree to which the activities outlin... More at the end of the commitment implementation period.
Indicators of second commitment
- Number of citizens who submitted filled-out questionnaires electronically; per LC and total, 2. Number of citizens who submitted hard copy filled-out questionnaires; per LC and total;
- Number of proposals and suggestions for implementing a specific project under a particular LC;
- Number of people who participated in the meeting between the representatives of the Local Communities with the Mayor and heads of all relevant departments of the Municipality during which the previously summarized requests of the citizens will be presented;
- Number of projects selected for implementation;
- Number of implemented project/projects in accordance with the available budget and appropriate timeframe; *Note: Through the processing of the questionnaires, information will be obtained how many citizens filled out questionnaires, from which local community, which age group and which sex.
Means of verification of second commitment
- Report from the Department for Local Self-Government and Social Care, Unit for Local Self-Government, Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Care on the number of submitted proposals:
Electronically to the LC (for each LC and total
In hard copy to the LC (for each LC and total)
Per age and per sex. - Report from the Department for Local Self-Government and Social Care, Unit for Local Self-Government, Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Care on the proposals for implementation of a certain project per LC,
- Report from the Department for Local Self-Government and Social Care, Unit for Local Self-Government on the number of people who participated in the meeting between the representatives of the Local Communities with the Mayor and heads of all relevant departments in the Municipality,
- Report from the Department for Local Self-Government and Social Care, Unit for Local Self-Government on implemented project/projects in accordance with the available budget and appropriate timeframe;
In January 2025, preparatory activities were realized:
- Notification to the citizens of the Municipality of Kisela Voda on the implementation of the Action Plan of the Municipality of Kisela Voda for the Open Government Partnership Local Program was published on the web site of the Municipality. The notification contains the phone numbers and e-mails for 15 Local Communities, where the citizens can address their needs and ideas. As well, the citizens can fill the questionnaires in hard copy in the offices of the Local communities;
- Questionnaire for the citizens of the Municipality of Kisela Voda for the implementation of the Action Plan of the Municipality of Kisela Voda for the Open Government Partnership OGP Local was published on the web site of the Municipality. Hard copy of the questionnaire is available in the 15 offices of the Local communities;
Attached documents:
2. Questionnaire
3. Photos of Notification in the Local Communities
Provide evidence for your answer:
Photos of Notification in the Local Communities
2.2 Does the commitment language/activities clearly justify relevance to OGP values?
Yes
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The main aim of the Second commitment of AP “Transparency and openness of local self-government” is to ensure transparency, openness of local self-government and public participationGiving citizens opportunities to provide input into government decision-making leads to more effective governance, improved public service delivery, and more equitable outcomes. Technical specificatio... as core values of the Local Government Partnership. By including the Local Communities in the commitment a direct bridge is being built between the citizens of the municipality, and a way to hear their voice and needs, thereby contributing to more transparent, participatory and accountable local governance. Through this commitment a concrete measure will be defined for realization, which directly and without any doubts will express the needs of the citizens and community of Municipality of Kisela Voda.
In the period of 01.02.2025 until 31.03.2025, online or using hard copy questioner in the 15 offices of the Local communities, citizens will have opportunity to submit their requests, needs, ideas, initiatives and priorities for the implementation to improve the quality of life and to promote a transparent and open municipality.
Attached documents:
1. Submitting of Questionnaires
Provide evidence for your answer:
2.3 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
a continuation of ongoing practice in line with existing legislation, policies or requirements.
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
In accordance with Article 8 of the Law on Local Self-Government (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia” No. 5 of 29 January 2002) The bodies of the municipality are obliged, free of charge, to inform the citizens about their work, as well as about the plans and programs that are of importance for the development of the municipality, in a manner determined by the statute. The municipality is obliged to provide citizens with access to information about the services it provides, which is fully implemented in the commitment and in line with the existing legislation.
In accordance with the Statute of the Municipality, the organizational form of citizens on the territory of Municipality of Kisela Voda is organized through 15 local communities, of which 10 are urban and 5 are rural communities. This way of organizing at the local level in the Municipality allows a democratic, transparent and open governance, as well as more efficient fulfillment of citizens’ interests.
Apart from regulation, active transparency also stems from good practice, which shows in the index of Active Transparency, increasing of 98.6% from 100 in 2024 in Municipality of Kisela Voda.
Attached documents:
1. Law on Local Self-Government and Municipal Statute
2. Active Transparency of Municipality of Kisela Voda
Provide evidence for your answer:
Active Transparency of Municipality of Kisela Voda
2.4 Please select one option that best describes the commitment:
is a positive change to a process, practice or policy but will not generate a binding or institutionalized change across government or specific institution(s).
Provide a brief explanation of your answer:
The direct involvement of local communities in the commitment as an organizational form of citizens at the local level in the Municipality enables democratic and more efficient fulfillment of civic interests, as well as increased participation of citizens in the decision-making process. With the strategic vision and the chosen determination with clearly set activities and expected results in accordance with the core values of the Open Government Partnership, with the implementation of the commitment and active participation of citizens, the Municipality of Kisela Voda will automatically contribute to more positive open governance and increased transparency. Precisely for the purpose of achieving these goals, the activities of the Local Communities and citizens are upgraded, improved and expanded through the second commitment.
Attached document
1. Description of the role of the Local Communities
Provide evidence for your answer:
Description of the role of the Local Communities
2.5 Are there any recommended changes to the design of the commitment to help improve its implementation?
Transparency and open local government is the core of the Local Partnership for Open Government. The second commitment of the first OKV action plan contains all the elements and characteristics that are essential for transparent and open local government.
All the activities are explained and foreseen in details with specific time frame for realization, each of them measurable and already in process of implementation, leading towards optimal results.
No changes to the design of the commitment are recommended.
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