The Open Government Partnership (OGP) has expressed willingness to reconsider El Salvador’s membership, provided the government fulfills specific eligibility conditions and demonstrates a genuine commitment to transparency standards. Although the country was expelled in March 2023 after years of inactivity and failure to submit required action plans, the alliance remains open to dialogue. This potential reintegration hinges on the government’s ability to restart meaningful collaboration with civil society, a crucial step for restoring its democratic credentials and regaining access to international open data frameworks. The recent expulsion highlights the severe consequences of neglecting civic engagement and failing to implement co-created governance policies. For three consecutive years, El Salvador did not make progress on its commitments, leading to its inactive status and eventual removal. This situation underscores the importance of adhering to international norms regarding transparency and public participation. The lack of progress not only isolates the country from global best practices but also weakens the institutional mechanisms necessary for accountable governance and open data accessibility. This case is highly relevant to open data because the OGP’s core mission relies on the active involvement of civil society to design and evaluate government actions. By failing to engage with these stakeholders, El Salvador missed the opportunity to foster a culture of transparency that supports open data initiatives. Rejoining the alliance would require rebuilding trust and establishing robust channels for citizen participation, ensuring that data policies are truly inclusive and effectively serve the public interest.
Source:Published on 2023-04-20