On the Participation of Civil Society Organizations in the Strategic Planning Processes of Municipalities

The citizens' right to participate in the decision making processes regarding themselves is a fundamental right accepted in international human rights documents and Turkish Republic Constitution and laws. In this sense, the right to participation requires the right to peaceful rally, the right to expression and the right to information as well as democratic good governance. 

In the Article 41 of the Law of Municipalities (Law no. 5393), it is stipulated that the strategic plan has to be prepared within the 6 months following the local elections. According to the same article, the plan that is to be submitted for approval to the municipal council is required to be prepared by taking the opinions of universities, trade associations and civil society organizations connected to the subject.