Transparência e governança digital: estudo de caso em municípios do Estado do Tocantins

Abstract

Transparency and access to information are essential pillars for strengthening democracy, enabling citizens to monitor and understand governmental actions and decisions. In Brazil, persistent challenges rooted in authoritarian and patrimonialist practices demand continuous oversight from control bodies and society, with the aim of reinforcing transparency and accountability. In this context, digital governance represents a concrete opportunity to enhance public transparency by providing real-time access to information through integrated digital platforms such as open data portals and public management systems. However, the effective implementation of these practices requires more than just technology: it demands investments in infrastructure, system interoperability, continuous training of public servants, and rigorous oversight by control agencies and civil society—recognizing that transparency is a legal obligation, not merely an administrative choice. This study's main objective was to evaluate transparency and digital governance in the three municipalities of Tocantins with the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP), using as reference the Public Transparency and Governance Index by Transparency International - Brazil. The results indicate that, although an institutional foundation has been established, the municipalities display varying levels of transparency, with Palmas leading, followed by Araguaína and Porto Nacional. It is concluded that important challenges remain, particularly regarding regulation, social participation, and the effectiveness of digital practices.