A Theoretical Study on Local Politics and Resident Participation

Abstract

It has been more than 20 years since local autonomy reintroduced. Overall implementation of local autonomy means the restoration of local-level politics, but there is still a question mark over whether the local politics has balanced against the central government by drawing participation of its residents, and whether local governments" authoritarian decision-making process have been democratized.BR Because the local autonomy inherently means realization of politics ‘of the resident, by the resident, for the resident", it should be done through local election which is respectful of residents’ right, participation, and lead. Local election is so important politically in that it is a official way for the people to participate in the political process, in other words, it is a very extensive and formal choice of politics.BR But so far local governments and assemblies neglected in the indifference of the people have repeatedly undermined the significance of local autonomy, and this is the fundamental cause hindering municipalities from developing. Thus, the opinion like ‘in korea, local autonomy does not exist’ is dominant among many scholars.BR Therefore, in local politics, national authority should be balanced and the local powers should be monitored by local politics through resident participation. This will help ensure people become free from subordination to the central authority.BR The importance of substantial involvement of people cannot be overemphasized. The existing hierarchical dominant-subordinate relationship between local and central government has to be converted into mutual surveillance, checks, and communication through decentralization of power. Furthermore, in the political process at least, even ordinary people should be on an equal playing field with the local powers and worthies. To sum up, politics is about residents" communication and participation.