When it comes to pre-requisites, thora hai, thorai ki zaroorat hai
The much criticised Pakistani civil society has a few strengths, one of which is advocacy. It is on the basis of this particular strength that Pakistan recently became a member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP). However, one of our pitfalls is that we stop at advocacy. To add OGP to this list would be disastrous for us as it would impede our country’s growth in the multi sector governance mechanism that is so central to OGP.
For those living under a rock, a quick snapshot: OGP is an international governance mechanism where member countries develop a multi-sector, national action plan of progress that reflects all members of civil society and government aspirations. In short, it is a specific road map for economic, political and administrative reforms. The multilateral forum of 75 countries that the OGP is, stresses on an increased and more proactive role of civil society organisations and their collaboration with the government in pressing for more openness, accountability and transparency in all matters. OGP encourages civil society organisations working on the national level to collaborate with their respective governments in the formulation of their National Action Plans.
We – as a new member – have to develop and submit the action plan by June this year. For the plan to succeed, it should be realistic and inclusive. Drawing room action plans cannot and will not be accepted. The OGP also signifies a change in the civil society’s role. Traditionally, the civil society was seen as a filler of sorts between the government’s proverbial cup and lip. Or at the most, the provider of small, alternate models of service delivery that can be amplified at the governmental level. However, due to changing dynamics at both the national and international levels, civil society organisations are being expected to take a more proactive position in addressing critical societal challenges.
The OGP forum provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to civil society organisations and their respective governments for engagement to improve their country’s image in the international arena though good governance, more transparency, accountability and improved mechanisms to reduce corruption. A Civil Society Engagement (CSE) team within the OGP works towards broadening and strengthening engagement with these civil society networks at the national level, and helps them in the design, implementation and monitoring of national action plans of their respective countries. The CSE team also helps the various civil society organisations to formulate their own objectives to comply with national-level national action plans.
The steering committee of the OGP has been composed in a way that highlights the importance of civic participation. It is composed of an equal number of members from the civil societies and governments of the member nations.
Getting down to the brass tacks
So, what are the brass tacks for effective OGP action plan and participation? The four principles are fiscal transparency, access to information, asset disclosures and citizens’ engagement.
As a country, we might not be faring too badly, as some of the essential institutional mechanisms that facilitate openness – central to the OGP concept – are already in place (for instance, the Right to Information).
Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa already have well-developed laws that allow its citizens access to information. However, in this regard, there is a lot of room for procedural improvement. The other two provinces, though, are still lagging. At the federal level, RTI is – to put it mildly – sad. In other words, when it comes to access to information: thora hai, thorai ki zaroorat hai.
Closely linked to information access is assets’ disclosure. While Panama is all about that, lest we forget we also need to look at less public lacunas – for example, public disclosure of assets of all public and semi-public office holders at the onset and termination of office term.
As for transparency and accountability, while much can be written about NAB etc, sleeves need to be rolled up dramatically lest we forget the convenient lacunas hiding in the books. For example, the electoral law that stipulates a spending limit for the candidate but not for the party.
Similarly, the culture of secrecy has always remained in the functioning of our various governments. Citizens have never remained part of any dialogue for the improvement of the procedures and policies that have a direct impact on their wellbeing.
These are the brass tacks. And as we put our thinking caps on to develop the OGP action plan to submit in June, let’s red flag these four principles that need to be reflected in the plan. Or else, devoid of these principles, it might end up NAPping too.
