African Union iv. v. Describe the accessibility of courts and other dispute adjudication mechanisms. Describe the effectiveness of legal aid mechanisms and other structures designed to assist the indigent obtain access to the legal system. QUESTION 3: How vibrant, independent and influential are civil society organizations in your country? INDICATORS: i) Describe the legal regime governing civil society organizations in your country. ii) Describe any systems in place for the promotion and protection of civil society organizations. iii) Outline any mechanisms, policies or process currently in place which permit or obstruct civil society input in policy making and implementation. QUESTION 4: To what extent does the state respect and protect the Access to Information rights of citizens? i. The existence of constitutional or legislative structures providing for citizens rights to information. ii. The effectiveness of right to information statutes or constitutional provisions, as measured by; the number of requests are made for information under RTI provisions; the quality of available government records that can be requested under RTI provisions Objective 5: Ensuring Accountable, Efficient and Effective Public Service Delivery at the National and Decentralized levels This objective touches on procedures that are designed to ensure the continuous accountability of officials, elected as well as non-elected, to the public. The questions that have been included on this issue seek to ensure that public office holders and civil servants are accountable, efficient and effective. The indicators under this objective are meant to establish the quality of service delivery and ensure the accountability of public officials to citizens. Good public service delivery enables citizens to express their views on the performance of the government, and to hold civil servants accountable for their actions. Constitutional democracy also requires empowering people at the grassroots level through the decentralization mechanism that allows local communities to participate in decisionmaking affecting their destiny. QUESTION 1: What measures have been taken in the country to strengthen institutions for an efficient and an effective public service? INDICATORS: i. Details of legal provisions, institutions and resource allocation for an efficient and effective civil service 20