Alliance of NGOs to reform the system of local government

Alliance of NGOs "For the development of municipalities" (BINA) held a roundtable discussion on Wednesday on "How to look prospects of municipal institution in state concept of" Azerbaijan-2020. A look at the future."

During the event, the participants discussed the suggestions of experts to transform the alliance of local authorities in the actual structure of local authorities, whose role in the system of public administration is now almost not felt.

It was noted that the government's approach to development and the formation of institutions of local self-government with the prism of these concepts do not inspire optimism. The document provides for a strengthening of the capacity of municipalities to the current level of institutional development and improving their human resource base. The government ignores the recommendations of the Council of Europe to deepen citizen participation in local governance. Azerbaijan is the only country in the European space, where there is no single metropolitan municipality.

Head of Public Union "Towards a Civil Society" Abil Bayramov presented two alternative directions of the organization of local government in Azerbaijan on the basis of international experience and by creating a symbiotic relationship, noting at the same time that the political outlook for increased autonomy of municipalities in the near future in serious doubt.

In Azerbaijan, a local government is a single stage. The project also NGOs both alternative models of local governance systems provide two stops in the field: the first - the municipality and district level, and the second - the municipality and the regional level. Both models assume the separation of powers at the local level. Th appointed executive branch plays the role of representative center in the field. Bayramov also said that the first phase could be abolished representative executive power in villages and towns, and to transfer their powers to municipalities.

The deputy of Milli Majlis Vahid Akhmedov, the Chairman of NGO "Center for Public Initiatives" Gubad Ibadoglu, deputy chairman of the Popular Front Nuraddin Mammadli and other support initiatives to improve local governance. At the same time, it was noted that in the current political environment, any proposal to increase the role of local authorities will be taken by the authorities without enthusiasm.

The first municipal elections were held in 1999. In 2010, in order to increase the efficiency of their number of municipalities was reduced from 2,757 local governments at various levels until 1718 municipalities. But that has not changed in the municipalities, which are still under the tutelage of executive power dense. - 08C-