Macedonia ranks third in Eastern Europe and Central Asia region and 23rd globally in open government, according to World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index 2012 report.

The report, which ranks countries across eight areas impacting on the rule of law: limits on government power, corruption, security, fundamental rights, open government, regulatory enforcement, civil justice and criminal justice, is the product of interviewing 97.000 members and more than 2.500 experts in 97 countries.

According to the report, Macedonia earns high marks for open government (ranking 23rd overall and third among upper middle income countries) and regulatory enforcement (ranking  34th and 5th among its income group).

Although corruption is low in comparison with its peers (ranking 7th by income-level and 8th regionally) and transitions of power occurs in accordance with law, the system of checks and balances is relatively weak (ranking 59th overall and 18th among upper middle income countries) as neither the legislature nor the courts exercise an effective limit on government’s power. Civil justice is accessible, despite excessive delays. Limitations on the freedom of the press and discrimination against marginalized groups are sources of concern, reads the report.

Estonia leads the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region in most dimensions of the rule of law.

The World Justice Project, an independent, non-profit organization, develops communities of opportunity and equity by advancing the rule of law worldwide. It is founded in 2006 and its offices are located in Washington, D.C. and Seattle,.