Decentralization and Citizen Participation Models

Decentralization as a Tool for Democracy

Decentralization should be understood then as a process of party realignment and territorial redistribution of power. As such, it is a tool and an end in itself to improve democracy. It pursues models of democratic states that are decentralized and participatory.

Historical Progress of Decentralization (1989–1998)

In the period from 1989 to 1998, the balance of decentralization was positive. From a political standpoint, administrative autonomy and the jurisdiction of states and municipalities were formed. This established a new legitimacy, an emerging organizational leadership, and a change in the psychosocial patterns of governors and mayors who eagerly sought success.

The Role of Neighborhood Associations

The organization of communities and neighborhood associations dates from 1960. Subsequently, the partial regulation of the Organic Law of the Municipal System gives them a range of skills, including:

• Serving as a liaison between the community and local government.
• Monitoring the functioning of public services.

Also, neighborhood associations organize beautification activities, recreation, and environmental conservation in order to improve the quality of community life.

Communal Councils and Citizen Participation

The enactment in April 2006 of the Law of Communal Councils started a new way of citizen participation through the aforementioned councils. The law itself defines communal councils as instances of participation, coordination, and integration between various community organizations, social groups, and citizens. This allows for the control of the management of public policies and the implementation of projects to meet community needs.

To ensure efficiency and community work towards the common good, neighborhood associations should not disappear. On the contrary, given their experience working as an organized community, they should be integrated into the communal councils and community organization.

The Function and Structure of Cooperatives

Cooperatives are groups of people coming together in order to provide a service or solve common needs. They have a special feature: they manage themselves, and their assets belong to all associates in equal proportions.