An e-consultation manual and portal designed to enhance stakeholder engagement in the drafting of laws before their final ratification stage was launched last week.
Developed by the Business Environment & Investment Climate (BEIC) project team, the platform operates under the oversight of the Justice and Technology ministries. It aims to improve transparency, efficiency, awareness, and effectiveness throughout the law formulation and enactment process.
According to Belayhun Yirga, state minister for Justice, public engagement before laws reach the Ministry for review is critical. He noted that the platform would mitigate the negative impacts of laws that had not been adequately communicated to stakeholders during their formulation.
The manual includes public consultation processes, covering stakeholder engagement preparations, participation accreditation, and methods of appraisal. Authorities aim to overcome previous setbacks faced in face-to-face consultations, which often excluded many stakeholders.
The Justice Ministry will oversee the platform, approve laws for public consultation, and ensure sufficient public engagement before laws are finalised.
