Electronic Participation Policy

1. Introduction

Al-Baha Municipality is committed to promoting electronic participation as one of the key pillars of digital transformation, and as an effective means to empower beneficiaries to participate in decision-making, improve service quality, and enhance transparency and communication with the community.

2. Policy Objectives

This policy aims to:

• Regulate electronic participation mechanisms with beneficiaries.

• Enable individuals and entities to express their opinions and proposals regarding services and initiatives.

• Enhance transparency, accountability, and improve beneficiary experience.

• Support decision-making based on community opinions and needs.

3. Scope of Application

This policy applies to all electronic participation channels affiliated with Al-Baha Municipality, including but not limited to:

• The official website.

• Electronic survey platforms.

• Official social media platforms.

• Virtual workshops and meetings.

• Any future digital channels adopted by the municipality.

4. Principles of Electronic Participation

The municipality adopts the following principles:

• Transparency: Providing clear information related to the participation subject.

• Inclusiveness: Enabling all segments of society to participate without discrimination.

• Credibility: Handling received opinions and proposals with seriousness.

• Privacy: Protecting participants’ data in accordance with approved regulations.

• Ease of access: Providing clear and user-friendly participation channels.

5. Forms of Electronic Participation

Electronic participation includes the following:

• Electronic surveys and questionnaires.

• Receiving proposals and development ideas.

• Expressing opinions on policies and projects prior to approval.

• Interaction with awareness and guidance content.

• Evaluation of electronic services.

6. Government Entity Commitments

Al-Baha Municipality commits to the following:

• Providing effective and up-to-date electronic participation channels.

• Announcing participation opportunities and topics in advance.

• Studying and analyzing received contributions and benefiting from them.

• Publishing summaries or participation results whenever possible to enhance transparency.

• Ensuring information security and protection of personal data.

7. Participant Commitments

Participants commit to the following:

• Adhering to public morals and respecting others.

• Refraining from publishing content that violates regulations, values, or includes abuse.

• Avoiding the submission of incorrect or misleading information.

• Not using participation channels for promotional, political, or commercial purposes.

8. Content and Participation Management

The municipality reserves the right to:

• Review and manage received contributions.

• Remove or refrain from publishing any participation that violates this policy.

• Take regulatory action in case of serious violations.

9. Privacy and Data Protection

• Personal data of participants is collected and used solely for participation purposes.

• All data is subject to approved data protection laws and policies in the Kingdom.

• Participant data will not be shared with any third party except as permitted by regulations.

10. Review and Update

• This policy is subject to periodic review to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

• The municipality reserves the right to update this policy at any time, with the updated version published on the official website.

11. Acknowledgment

By using the electronic participation channels of Al-Baha Municipality, the user acknowledges reviewing this policy and agrees to comply with its terms.

12. Roles and Responsibilities

12.1 Senior Management

• Approving the electronic participation policy and supporting its implementation.

• Providing necessary resources to ensure the effectiveness of participation channels.

• Promoting a culture of participation and transparency within the municipality.

12.2 Digital Transformation / Information Technology Department

• Supervising electronic participation channels from a technical perspective.

• Ensuring system readiness, continuity, and cybersecurity.

• Continuously developing and improving electronic participation tools.

12.3 Corporate Communication / Media Department

• Planning and announcing electronic participation opportunities.

• Managing content published through participation channels.

• Enhancing engagement with beneficiaries and responding to public inquiries.

12.4 Concerned Departments (Subject Owners)

• Identifying participation topics and objectives.

• Analyzing received opinions and proposals and submitting recommendations.

• Utilizing participation outputs to improve policies and services.

12.5 Cybersecurity and Data Protection Department

• Ensuring compliance with personal data protection regulations and policies.

• Monitoring the security of electronic participation channels.

• Handling potential risks or security incidents.

12.6 Participants (Beneficiaries)

• Participating with constructive and objective opinions and proposals.

• Adhering to public etiquette and regulatory requirements.

• Avoiding misuse of electronic participation channels.

For regulations and related terms, please visit: Regulations Link