The Project developed software tailored to fit all assemblies in Serbia. The city assemblies of Leskovac and Pancevo were the first to participate in the software design. The new software was presented today at a press conference in Leskovac.
Following the demonstration of the new e-parliament system, the Head of Governance Domain of the Swiss Cooperation Office Serbia, Sascha Müller, highlighted the importance of this system, unique in Serbia in terms of supporting electronic document management, such as decisions of the assembly, local regulations etc. The system ensures greater efficiency of the assembly’s work, saves money and allows for more users to simultaneously search for information, while having access to documents at all times. In addition to these benefits for the members of the parliament (MPs), e-parliament also makes the work of local assemblies more transparent and accountable for citizens.
The Mayor of Leskovac Goran Cvetanovic thanked Switzerland and UNDP and noted that Leskovac is the first city in Serbia to introduce e-Parliament and adjust its Rules of procedure to the new way of work. For printing of documents alone, the city will save four million dinars annually. The mayor pointed out that the new system will also facilitate the work of the assembly and MPs, ensure consistency of procedures, easier access to documents and their safety.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Steliana Nedera stressed that, apart from the development of the e-parliament, Leskovac was supported in preparing amendments to the Rules of Procedure of the City assembly’s transition. The rules of procedure will enable Leskovac City Assembly to adapt its work to digital way of working, as well as electronic voting, thus significantly reducing time and costs of assembly sessions.
Overall, the Swiss Government and UNDP support for the Leskovac Assembly encompasses 85 tablets, two servers and software along with expert support with a total value of 170,000 EUR, complemented with 31,000 EUR from the Leskovac City for the development of the E-parliament.
“Strengthening the Oversight Function and Transparency of the Parliament” Project is supported by Switzerland with 1,7 million EUR with the aim of achieving a more transparent and efficient work of the National assembly and local assemblies across Serbia.
