Madrid (Spain) has increased its commitment to Open Government by opening a portal which leverages citizen participation in political life in the city.
Decide.madrid.es allows city dwellers to submit proposals on which citizens can vote. If approved by citizens, the proposals may then be implemented by the City Council. All citizens over 16 can participate in this eParticipation programme, if they are registered in Madrid.
The platform, which complements Open Data and transparency initiatives in Madrid, helps citizens express their points of view, open debates and eventually to submit a proposal that they think could change the city. The goal is to make Madrid “a city governed by its inhabitants, who discuss issues which concern them and propose ideas to improve their lives”, the website states.
Vote for proposals to have the City Council implement them
Propositions have to be supported by a vote of at least 2% to be approved as a valid proposal. Over a period of 45 days, citizens can then comment on and discuss the proposal. Then, for a week, the proposal is opened to a vote to approve or reject it. If approved, the proposal is highlighted on the website and the City Council implements an assessment process over a month. All the actions taken to implement it are then detailed on the website. Citizens can also submit proposals through 26 offices in Madrid.
Citizens are also able to open debates. Submitting a proposal follows a process of collective action and decision-making, whereas opening debates does not, the website states. Among the debates already opened, citizens added inputs on cleaning the streets, modifying the public transport schedule during the weekend and opening more public toilets.
Among the proposals already submitted, citizens asked for protection for public agents who report corruption, punishment for people who dump garbage on the street, increased public transport, opening the metro all night on weekends, and fining cyclists who break the traffic rules.