Open Government Partnership in Morocco

The Journey of Open Government Partnership in Morocco

Transparency, accountability, and citizen participation are the pillars of an open government. Morocco, as a member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), has made significant strides towards these goals. The OGP, a multilateral initiative launched in 2011, aims to secure concrete commitments from national and subnational governments to promote transparency, empower citizens, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance.

Morocco's Commitment to OGP

Since joining the OGP in 2012, Morocco has shown a strong commitment to the principles of open government. The country has implemented various reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in public administration. These reforms include the adoption of a new constitution in 2011 that guarantees the right to access information.

Implementation of the Right to Access Information

The right to access information is a cornerstone of open governance. In 2018, Morocco enacted a law on the right to access information. The law aims to promote transparency and accountability in public affairs by granting citizens the right to access information held by the administration, elected institutions, and organizations with a public service mandate.

Challenges in the Implementation

Despite the significant progress, the implementation of open government reforms in Morocco faces several challenges. These include a lack of awareness among citizens about their rights under the new law and the need for capacity building within public institutions to effectively implement the law.

Addressing the Challenges

To address these challenges, the Moroccan government has undertaken several initiatives. These include conducting awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights under the law and providing training to public officials to improve their capacity to implement the law. Furthermore, the government is leveraging technology to facilitate access to information.

Role of Civil Society

The role of civil society is crucial in the implementation of open government reforms. In Morocco, civil society organizations have been actively involved in promoting transparency and accountability. They have played a key role in monitoring the implementation of the law on the right to access information and advocating for further reforms.

Looking Ahead

As Morocco continues its journey towards open governance, it is crucial to maintain the momentum of reforms. The government needs to continue its efforts to raise awareness about the right to access information and further improve the capacity of public institutions. With the continued commitment of the government and the active participation of civil society, Morocco can set a strong example for open governance in the region.