Open Government in Salé, Morocco

Executive summary

Open government and the regionalisation process

Morocco has pledged to implement the principles of open government, a commitment strengthened by the Constitution of 2011. In addition, Morocco has recognised the importance of subnational governments in forging a closer relationship between government and citizens. These subnational authorities are at the forefront of a number of open government practices. The process of advanced regionalisation (regionalisation avancée), which is strengthening the powers of the municipalities and regions, is leading to local public policies that are more open, transparent and effective. In this context, the mayor and the municipal council of Salé have undertaken and supported a number of initiatives to promote transparency, stakeholder participation and accountability, with the objective of bringing the municipality closer to its citizens and involving them in the development of the city. The initiatives are based on a bottom-up approach developed at district level and on strong engagement by local civil society. These efforts could be reinforced by fully implementing all provisions of the regionalisation process and the 2011 Constitution.

A structured approach to open government

The 2017 OECD Recommendation of the Council on Open Government advises adherents “to develop, adopt and implement open government strategies and initiatives.” A structured approach to open government is important to promote a cultural shift and strategic use of open government initiatives. The approach adopted by the municipality of Salé is based on a range of practices. Although implemented consistently, these initiatives are not part of an overall vision or strategy – a challenge that is shared by a number of towns and countries that are implementing open government initiatives. In this respect, the municipality of Salé could consider developing a dedicated open government strategy.

Legal framework for open government for the city of Salé

Open government initiatives in the city of Salé are conducted within a favourable legal framework. Morocco’s 2011 Constitution enshrines the principles of participatory democracy, good governance, access to information, and the participation of associations and citizens in territorial management. It establishes participatory mechanisms for dialogue and consultation and gives the right to present petitions to local authorities. Organic law n° 113.14 regarding municipalities strengthens this framework, establishing an advisory body on equity, equal opportunities and gender, while adopting a participatory approach to drawing up municipal development plans. Nevertheless, this framework would benefit from more detailed guidelines on participatory mechanisms for dialogue and consultation or the participatory development of the municipal action plan.

Institutional framework for the promotion of open government in Salé

OECD studies demonstrate the value of dedicated structures for co-ordinating open government initiatives. Despite the lack of a formal co-ordinating body for this purpose, public officials in Salé have an effective internal co-ordination and communication system. Nevertheless, a specific co-ordination structure could facilitate initiatives to promote open government, avoid duplication and improve communication. Furthermore, such a structure could ensure that continuous training in open government was carried out, and that adequate resources were made available.

Open government initiatives and practices in Salé

The city of Salé has developed many initiatives to inform and involve citizens and to strengthen integrity. These include the proactive publication of a range of important data linked to the municipality, participation in council sessions, the right to petition, Thursday dialogues (i.e. monthly consultation meetings with citizens), the participation of citizens and associations in the development of the municipal action plan, and consultation committees at district level. Some of these mechanisms are already well established and have helped create a culture of dialogue, especially with local civil society. However, the participation of other actors appears to be less structured. Further efforts will be required to implement the provisions of organic law n° 113.14 related to municipalities, and to involve citizens in the monitoring and evaluation of public policies. Salé could consider drawing up a strategic vision document on stakeholder participation, and creating a charter or action plan that offers a detailed outline of the objectives, target groups and participatory mechanisms, so as to strengthen current initiatives and create a coherent approach.