iVote became part of the project named “Empowering Municipal Councils”, responsible for providing software solutions. This is a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The aim of the project is to increase the transparency and accountability of the local government thus to increase the citizen satisfaction and trust in municipal services.
The technological solutions imply development of three software applications: Project Web Site, Learning Management System (e-Knowledge Platform) and Web based Dashboard application. All information and news about the project and its scope have been presented in the web site. Creation and modification of the web content has been enabled through user-friendly Content Management System (CMS). Training, education and interactive courses are available to the Municipal councilors via e-learning platform. They have opportunity to learn and be in pace with the latest news and legislative changes.
Key financial indicators for Municipalities now can be presented in simplified form with charts and tables in the Web based Dashboard application which are easily readable for people who are not economic experts. Тhe system provides transparency of realized, regarding planned municipal budget.
“This project simplifies the presentation of many financial data and reports to the Municipal councilors, and in the same time citizens can monitor all activities that are implemented in regard to the planned. In that way, citizen’s trust in state institutions will strengthen and councilors can act timely to accomplish all planned goals.” – Said Tomislav Zografski, the CEO of iVote.
Municipal Councils should be properly fulfilling their constitutionally assigned roles of legislation and increase the transparency and accountability of the mayor towards the council, and the municipality towards the citizens.