Document Library

Democracy at the Local Level: The International IDEA Handbook on Participation, Representation, Conflict Management and Governance

Author: T Sisk et al
Date: 2001
Size: 256 pages

Access full text: available online

Summary

In recent years decentralisation and local democracy have been the subject of renewed attention and have become the legitimate demand of all local communities. However, what are the tools that make local democracy effective? How can citizens really participate in the decision-making process? This handbook from IDEA explores these questions and provides options for practices that have worked well in different contexts. It contains essays from leading specialists, case studies from around the world, figures and statistics.

Globalisation has transformed big cities, creating a new cultural mix and increasing problems such as unemployment and crime. Traditional methods of governance are therefore no longer sufficient; a broader concept of governance must be introduced, one that takes into account the important role of citizens and organisations of civil society. A review of the way cities are governed is also necessary because of:

• New cultural diversity. When cities present a stark differentiation between advantaged and disadvantaged groups, democracy becomes a way to successfully manage conflicting perceptions and interests.
• Transition democracies. In these countries, democratization has been incomplete as many citizens have not yet perceived the benefits of democracy and reforms have been focused mainly on the national level.
• Reconciliation processes. In countries emerging from violent conflicts and wars, sustainable peace lies in the reconciliation among local communities and economic and social reconstruction at the local level.

This handbook thus aims to provide tools for strengthening local democracy. It describes the choices available and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each option, but does not provide recipes for success. Every context is indeed different and tools need to be adapted to each particular circumstance. In particular the book:

• Provides practical suggestions for designing systems of local governance through decentralisation, autonomy and building linkages across international borders.
• Presents principles and policies for managing culturally diverse cities and offers tools for preventing ethnic conflicts and promoting social reconciliation.
• Offers practical choices for enhancing local elections and representative democracy through electoral rules, administrative reform and political party development.
• Provides options for promoting citizen participation and tools for the implementation of a participatory policy-making process.
• Provides recommendations for the international community to assist the further development of an international policy network for the improvement of local democracy.

Access full text: available online

Source: Sisk, T. et al, 2001, ‘Democracy at the Local Level: The International IDEA Handbook on Participation, Representation, Conflict Management and Governance’, International IDEA Handbook Series 4, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), Stockholm.
Author: International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, http://www.idea.int/