Development of Local Self-Government in Lithuania from 1990 to date (second part)
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Abstract
This text constitutes the second part of the research article [5]. On the basis of the author’s knowledge and comparative, historical and systemic research methods, it describes the remaining two components of Lithuania’s local self-government system and their development:
(1) Principal models of organisational structure of municipalities and their development during the period under consideration; and
(2) Municipal election systems applied within the period under consideration.
The current research article (part 2) points out that:
(1) Three out of seven principal models of organisational structure of municipalities known in theory and applied in foreign countries have been practically tested in Lithuania. Currently, the dualistic model incorporating a municipal council and a single-person executive body (administrative director) appointed from outside a municipal council is in place. The model was introduced in 2003 as it was in line with the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania. Since 1998, however, a discussion has been going on the legal establishment of a principal model providing for a directly-elected mayor. As yet, no consensus has been reached.
(2) Since 1990 there has been a consistent search for an optimal municipal election system (corresponding to the electorate’s needs and expectations) that would (a) encourage active and committed participation of municipal communities in local elections and, after elections, to effectively influence local decision-making in different ways allowed in participatory democracy, and (b) bind local politicians to properly discharge their duties to voters.
(1) Principal models of organisational structure of municipalities and their development during the period under consideration; and
(2) Municipal election systems applied within the period under consideration.
The current research article (part 2) points out that:
(1) Three out of seven principal models of organisational structure of municipalities known in theory and applied in foreign countries have been practically tested in Lithuania. Currently, the dualistic model incorporating a municipal council and a single-person executive body (administrative director) appointed from outside a municipal council is in place. The model was introduced in 2003 as it was in line with the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania. Since 1998, however, a discussion has been going on the legal establishment of a principal model providing for a directly-elected mayor. As yet, no consensus has been reached.
(2) Since 1990 there has been a consistent search for an optimal municipal election system (corresponding to the electorate’s needs and expectations) that would (a) encourage active and committed participation of municipal communities in local elections and, after elections, to effectively influence local decision-making in different ways allowed in participatory democracy, and (b) bind local politicians to properly discharge their duties to voters.
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