average, the AOB informed the parties involved within 44 days whether maladministration was determined. This means that the average investigation duration was reduced by five days compared to the previous year. In 1,362 cases, the complaint fell within the AOB's area of competence, but there was no reason to initiate an investigative proceeding. In these cases, the AOB provided additional information, including Information outside of the investigative mandate legal information. 1,311 cases were outside the scope of the AOB’s mandate. However, the AOB endeavoured to provide support in these cases as well. It contacted the relevant authorities and identified possible approaches for a potential solution for the complainants. In 643 instances, the complaint was withdrawn. Under the Austrian Federal Constitution, the AOB can initiate investigative proceedings ex-officio if it has concrete suspicions regarding 58 ex-officio investigative proceedings maladministration. As was the case in the previous years, the members of the AOB made use of this right, initiating 58 ex-officio investigative proceedings (2011: 54). Resolved complaints relative to regional and municipal government administration 2012 2011 No maladministration found 4,306 4,163 Maladministration on the part of the authorities 1,519 1,041 Investigative proceeding currently inadmissible (administrative proceeding still ongoing) 1,362 1,217 Complaints outside the AOB mandate 1,311 1,177 Complaint retracted 643 647 Complaints not suitable for handling (per the relevant regulations) 167 128 Cases which the Board jointly determined a case of maladministration and issued a recommendation 7 3 Challenges to regulations 0 1 9,315 8,377 TOTAL 17