Lei de acesso à informação e Poder Executivo de Juazeiro do Norte – CE: desafios à transparência e comunicação pública eficiente.

Abstract

This research analyzed the perspectives of social control based on the public communication practices developed by the institutions of the Executive Branch of the municipality of Juazeiro do Norte – CE, in light of the provisions of Law No. 12,527/2011, known as the Access to Information Law – LAI. The study started from the understanding that the effectiveness of the right of access to information depends not only on the formal availability of institutional communication channels, but also on their functionality, updating, and responsiveness to the population. The investigation was characterized as qualitative research, of an analytical nature, based on a bibliographic survey and empirical analysis of the institutional communication channels made available by the municipal Executive Branch. Twenty-one institutions belonging to the municipal administration were analyzed, through verification of communication channels via email, telephone, and physical addresses, through the sending of electronic messages, making telephone calls, and conducting in-person visits to the institutional headquarters. The results showed a discrepancy between the formal existence of communication channels and their effective functionality. In email communication, only 7 out of 21 institutions responded to the requests sent. Regarding telephone communication, high rates of unanswered calls, busy lines, non-existent contacts, and inability to complete calls were identified. On the other hand, physical addresses showed greater regularity in terms of correspondence between the information provided and the actual location of the institutions, although inconsistencies related to updating and institutional signage were observed. It is concluded that the municipal Executive Branch shows partial compliance with the requirements of the Access to Information Law (LAI), especially regarding active transparency and the formal provision of institutional information, with persistent weaknesses related to the efficiency of public communication, the updating of official channels, and the effectiveness of access to information—factors that directly impact the exercise of social control and citizenship.