Fostering Political Accountability in Local Government

Duration of the project: July 2022 - June 2024
Donor: National Endowment for Democracy  
Overall Objective: POP Network monitor the decision-making processes and take an active role in advocating and influencing the policy debate and political agenda for the rights holder’s interest.

Specific objectives:
SO1: Empower and strengthen the POP network and its members in advocating the public's rights and priorities of the people, in local governance processes. 
SO2: Monitor the full implementation of the Social Contracts signed in 2019.
SO3: Strengthen citizens voice in consultation meeting.
SO4: Monitor the Local Elections campaign of the candidates for Mayors of 2023, sign the New Social Contracts.

The Gender Alliance for Development Center (GADC) in Tirana is leading the implementation of the project.

POP Network members: 
Gender Alliance for Development Center, Tirana 
Civil Society Development Center (CSDC), Durres
Vlora Youth Center
Youth Center “New Epoch”, Fier
Young Intellectuals, Hope (IRSH), Shkodër
Youth Movement for Democracy Center, Pukë
Center for Youth Progress (CYP), Kukës
Another Vision, Elbasan
Light Steps, Vau I Dejes 
Women in Development, Korçë

Key Achievements of the Project:
- The POP Network consolidated its presence in 10 municipalities through regular coordination, experience exchange, and joint methodology development.
- GADC organized and facilitated monthly network meetings and several advisory board sessions to review progress and plan strategic actions.
- A Strategic Planning Workshop (November 2023) helped align 2024 activities with the POP Network’s long-term goals and reinforced member capacities.
- Member organizations received training on public consultation laws, monitoring tools, and advocacy techniques, increasing their ability to influence local governance.
- GADC ensured strong online presence for POP via continuous updates to the website and active communication across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
- The POP Network finalized the Fourth and Final Monitoring Report (Sept 2022–Sept 2023) covering the 2019–2023 Social Contracts across 10 municipalities.
- Over 50 focus group discussions (FGDs) and participatory budgeting meetings were conducted with citizens to assess implementation and identify new priorities.
- Monitoring of Municipal Council meetings was carried out consistently by local partners to track political commitments and decision-making processes.
- Results of the monitoring showed a cumulative implementation rate of 74.5% of Social Contract priorities by the end of the 2019–2023 cycle.
-Following the local elections 2023, Social Contracts 2023–2027 were signed in all 10 municipalities, including Tirana, Durrës, Elbasan, Fier, Shkodër, Kukës, Vlora, Korçë, Pukë, and Vau i Dejës.

Follow the link to visit the project webiste