BACKGROUND

Matter of Choice is a two-year direct grant implemented by the National Coalition for Decentralization (NCD), a local network of sixteen civil society organizations based in the south of Serbia. The project supports increased public participation in democratic electoral processes and advocates for better and closer interaction between Serbian citizens and their elected representatives. It also raises public awareness of the importance of citizens’ representation in a democratic society and supports citizens’ participation and activism in government. 

ACTIVITIES

Matter of Choice focuses on achieving three key objectives: informing citizens about the Serbian electoral system; engaging citizens in public policy; and presenting various models for increased citizen representation.  To achieve these objectives, the project will conduct information and engagement campaigns in Serbia’s 16 largest cities. The campaigns will include television spots, as well as videos on YouTube and social media. An Electoral Reform Bus will travel to eight Serbian cities, setting up informational displays in city squares to engage the public. Furthermore, Matter of Choice will create an Election Democracy Index that enables citizens and elected officials to understand the costs and benefits of different electoral systems. Along with the index, the project will conduct research to inform citizens and politicians of different electoral systems’ effects on everyday life and to track the societal changes that occur when new electoral systems are established.

As a result of these efforts:

• Closer relations will be established between the citizens of Serbia and their elected officials;
• Citizens will have an increased understanding of Serbia’s existing electoral system;
• Citizens will understand and be able to advocate for different electoral systems;
• Widespread public debate on improving Serbia’s electoral system will be held, with participation from the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government.

Project funded by:

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/Serbia)

Project implemented by:

National Coalition for Decentralization (NCD), Media and Reform Center Nis (MRCN) and Serbia on the Move (SoM)

Key counterparts:

Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self Government, CSOs targeting electoral law change, citizens

Where we work:

Nationwide with particular focus on 16 largest Serbian cities

Project duration:

April 2015 – April 2017

Total amount:  $375,000

Contact:

Trg Učitelj Tase 1a/2

18 000 Niš

Phone: +381 18 247153

E-mail:  office@decentralizacija.org.rs

Website:   http://www.decentralizacija.org.rs

Social media: https://www.facebook.com/decentralizacija.org.rs