Local Democracy Research Articles

Cities beyond proximity.

The concept of 'proximity-based cities' has gained attention as a new urban organizational model. Most prominently, the 15-minute city contends that cities can function more effectively, equitably and sustainably if essential, everyday services and key amenities are within a 15-minute walk or cycle. However, focusing solely on travel time risks overlooking disparities in service quality, as the proximity paradigm tends to emphasize the mere presence of an element in a location rather than bringing up more complex questions of identity, diversity, quality, value or relationships. Transitioning to value-based cities by considering more than just proximity can enhance local identity, resilience and urban democracy. Fostering bottom-up initiatives can create a culture of local care and value, while predominantly top-down governing strategies can lead to large inequalities. Balancing these approaches can maximize resilience, health and sustainability. This equilibrium has the potential to accompany sustainable growth, by encouraging the creation of innovative urban solutions and reducing inequalities.This article is part of the theme issue 'Co-creating the future: participatory cities and digital governance'.

Cities against democratic backsliding: democratic resilience through urban resistance in the Visegrád 4 capitals

ABSTRACT How do cities fight democratic backsliding on the national level? Set in an increasingly illiberal context, the four Visegrád capitals (V4 capitals) Bratislava, Budapest, Prague and Warsaw have elected progressive mayors that challenge national democratic backsliding locally. The conceptual framework presented in this article underlies the role of city democracy and city diplomacy in understanding cities’ role in democratisation and autocratisation processes. As part of their resistance against democratic backsliding, the four cities intensified their attempts to enhance local democracy and to set best practice examples. At the same time, they have also shown a strong determination to address democratic backsliding collectively. Their proactive response includes the establishment of a regional transnational advocacy network (TAN) known as the Pact of Free Cities, and the further engagement with pro-democracy external actors, including other cities, the European Union, and international organisations.

Strategy Of The Local Government Of Mamasa Regency In Preventing Religious Conflicts To Realize National Security

Managing diversity based on local democracy is a preventive step to prevent prolonged conflicts toward social reintegration. Religious segmentation is used as a way to unravel the political conflicts that previously echoed in this area. Efforts to carry out the representation of religious identity (Islamic-Christian) in each Regional Election event are used as a new political format to minimize the tension of identity politics that can erode the spirit of community togetherness. Representation politics is then manifested in the form of pairs of candidates to occupy the position of regional head until the last twenty years have been institutions that have the ability to maintain unity and unity. This research uses a qualitative approach. For data collection techniques, researchers conduct interviews, observation, and documentation procedures. The theories and concepts used in this study include strategy theory, peace theory, conflict theory, conflict prevention concept, Conflict early Warning and Early Response System (CEWERS) concept, and state defense concept. Based on the results of the study, it can be understood that overall, conflict management carried out by the government, both the central government and local governments, is very poor. Efforts to resolve conflicts only occur at the elite level and do not include people who suffer more and lose more due to conflict. An elitist resolution will only meet the interests and demands of the elite. The demands of the masses that should also be accommodated are ignored. As a form of strategic steps of the local government of Mamasa Regency in preventing conflicts in the administration of government and its relationship with the roots of religious conflicts in Mamasa Regency, some of the descriptions of the steps taken include the Education and Socialization Approach, Increasing the Role of the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), Strengthening the Economy and Social Welfare, Fair and Transparent Law Enforcement, and Inclusive Infrastructure and Public Facilities Development.

Transformative Local Governments: Addressing Social Urban Challenges by Bringing People and Politics Together

As the tier of government closest to people, local government plays a key role in answering local needs and aspirations. However, local governments are often under-resourced, leaving them inadequately responsive to many of these critical local demands. Moreover, accountability to their citizens, which is the core of a well-functioning local democracy, is often lacking because the necessary formal laws and informal norms do not enable citizens to influence the decision-making process in a collaborative, creative, and evidence-based process that promotes collective learning. Through innovative case study analyses from around the world, the 12 contributions in this thematic issue delve into the multifaceted ways in which local governments can bridge the gap between people and politics, offering innovative perspectives on participatory governance, co-creation, and collaborative decision-making for inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. The cases showcase innovations and challenges in the urban environment, capturing different ways to bring people and politics together in an attempt to co-create solutions for a sustainable and resilient urban future. The insights provided by this plethora of cases provides lessons that can help revolutionise international, national, and local urban policy to empower local authorities and their local communities to address the increasingly urgent challenges faced by municipalities around the world, ensuring an inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable future for the generations to come.

The Discourse of Decentralization in Thailand: A Study of Political, Administrative, and Financial Aspects

The decentralization process in Thailand has been shaped by political history, economic policies, and institutional changes, but remains hindered by a centralized authority and entrenched patrimonial culture. Despite post-1997 reforms aimed at enhancing local democracy, decentralization efforts have faced challenges from political instability, limited resources, and national reluctance to relinquish control. This research employs critical discourse analysis to examine how political, administrative, and financial discourses affect power dynamics, social structures, and governance. Findings reveal ongoing struggles between national and local entities, reflecting broader societal attitudes. The study underscores the need for innovative legal and institutional reforms to address regional disparities, promote good governance, and foster equitable development in Thailand.

Unpacking Province Creation in The Philippines

To enhance service delivery and local democracy, legislators have tinkered with size or status of local governments in the Philippines. This elasticity in local borders has been more evident at the province level, the highest local government tier. Since 1987, a new province is birthed roughly every three years. As the determinants and mechanisms of contemporary province fragmentation are under-examined, this article investigates, at several policymaking levels and dimensions, attempts to redraw borders of Philippine provinces. Framed by an institutional framework and a case-study approach, and employing a veto-player analysis, heuristic cases of two provinces (Quezon and Zamboanga del Sur) were unpacked and compared. Findings reveal that there is a large and fragmented veto-player group in the area of territorial rescaling of provinces. Congruence of preferences among veto players was observed to be influenced by territorial leveraging, pivot on networks and reciprocity norm, and mirroring of preferences. The tenacity and strategic actions of reform agent or policy entrepreneur (usually the congressman), sometimes assisted by social movement, is likewise found crucial in the pathways leading to reform outcomes. In a simple cross-case analysis of recent reform attempts, findings also suggest that the provinces’ core-periphery location pattern, and proposed type of spatio-jurisdictional partition are associated with reform outcomes.

THE CONCEPT OF THE FORMATION THE ELECTRONIC DEMOCRACY AS A TOOL OF REGIONAL PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

The article proposes a conceptual model of regional electronic democracy as a cognitive scheme for the analysis of this tool of local public administration in Ukraine. It is noted that the local levels of the implementation of electronic democracy are theoretically capable of demonstrating the greatest effectiveness of using this tool, as they are related to the immediate environment of everyday life of citizens and relate to solving urgent problems of community residents. The author emphasizes the predominant research interest in e-democracy at the national level and insufficient attention to regional features of e-democracy. The key role of digital participation in the formation and development of electronic democracy is argued. The author examines various scientific approaches to considering the forms and levels of public participation in regional public administration and supports the conclusion that there is a tendency to expand the meaningful characteristics of participation in administration and the arsenal of electronic tools for its implementation Using the analytical method and the method of theoretical generalization, the author analyzes the functioning of electronic democracy at the local level. For formulating her own concept, the author relies on the theoretical work of foreign e-democracy researchers, in particular, the concept of invited and invented public space and the classification of types of e-democracy. The model of regional e-democracy is defined as a set of types of electronic participation of the citizens in governance and e-democracy tools as electronic means of implementing this participation. Forms of participation and their corresponding e-tools are grouped into three blocks: transparent e-democracy, deliberative e-democracy and participatory e-democracy. The author draws attention to the heterogeneity of the public sphere as a place for the implementation of local electronic democracy and claims that the identification of the invented space as a place for the implementation of civil self-organization contributes to a deeper understanding of the modern processes of transformation of public administration under the influence of information and communication technologies. The importance of taking into account the social context and the possibilities of technological support for evaluating the effectiveness of the processes of local democracy is emphasized.

Local Democracy in America: How Access, Competition, and Place Shape Turnout in Mayoral Races

The vast majority of the roughly half-million elected officials in the U.S. occupy local offices, however, research examining how they get elected to remains scant. The present study examines turnout in local elections, focusing on the effects of electoral rules, the competitiveness of local races, and whether and how place matters. Based on a sample of roughly 10,000 mayoral elections, this study represents the most systematic empirical analysis of local turnout to date. While we find substantial differences in turnout across rural towns, suburbs, and central cities, these differences are largely explained by electoral and contextual factors that are unevenly distributed across the local landscape. Though election timing is far and away the most important factor, uncontested mayoral races, local elections in states with restrictive voting laws as well as those mid-sized municipalities are associated with significantly lower turnout.

Laying the Foundations for a Child-Focused Cities Analytical Framework: Reflections From an International, Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Children, a unique yet marginalized social group, hold immense potential for driving meaningful social and environmental change, both in their current lives and as future stewards of the planet. However, their significant contributions often depend on the mechanisms and opportunities adults create to facilitate their participation and inclusion. This places local governance at a crucial juncture, mediating children’s involvement in shaping their urban environments. This research was initiated by the Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy in 2022, gathering international scholars and practitioners to critically assess the “child-friendly city” concept. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the study sought to advance the notion from simply being “friendly” to a deeper commitment to amplifying children’s voices within social, physical, and relational spheres. The methodology transitioned from initial academic discussions to the creation of a comprehensive analytical tool, the “Child-Focused Cities Analytical Framework.” This framework aims to tackle the complex challenges of child participation, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in both local and global settings. This article unveils new insights at the intersection of children’s rights, the SDGs, and local governance, laying the groundwork for a model that prioritizes and enhances children’s perspectives, thereby catalyzing social and environmental progress.

Participatory Budgeting and the Formation of Public Spheres

Objective: Describe the role of participatory budgeting (PB) in the formation of public spheres. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on Habermas's (2012) theory of communicative action and the formation of public spheres, along with approaches related to deliberative democracy, highlighting the role of PB as a channel for citizen engagement and social justice. Method: The study employs a theoretical analysis to explore the connection between PB and the formation of public spheres, drawing on case studies and existing literature on PB and deliberative democracy. Results and Discussion: The essay identifies six premises that link PB to the formation of public spheres: 1) Discussions on problem-topics influence through public spheres; 2) Public spheres strengthen deliberative democracy; 3) All citizens can participate; 4) PB enables the participation of “weak publics” and promotes social justice; 5) The educational nature of PB enhances citizen reflexivity; 6) PB exercises social control, promoting good governance and transparency. Research Implications: The study suggests that by fostering deliberation and citizen participation, PB can strengthen local democracy and contribute to the formulation of more just and inclusive policies. Originality/Value: This essay offers a theoretical contribution by connecting PB with the theory of communicative action and the foundations for the formation of public spheres, as proposed by Habermas (2012), highlighting its potential to strengthen democracy through deliberative citizen participation.

Local news as political institution and the repercussions of ‘news deserts’: A qualitative study of seven UK local areas

A transformation in the political economy of local news provision has led to claims that an increasing number of local areas have become ‘news deserts’ – areas that are poorly served or not served at all by professional and dedicated news services (Abernathy, 2022). Such developments have raised widespread concerns about the future health of local democracy. One aspect of local news’ declining capacity that has received little attention to date is the impact on its role as political institution. This paper first examines the impact of changes on those most closely affected by the reduction or closure of UK local news media outlets – the consumers and sources of local news. Through empirical research in 2021-22, the authors explore Cook’s theory of the news media as political institution (2005), by examining local citizens’ experience of – and attitudes towards – their local news outlets, and the extent to which they believe these continue to perform an institutional role. Second, the paper seeks to explore the extent to which other information services – most notably social media and online communities - substitute for the institutional roles of local news outlets. The paper argues that the diminishing role of local news media as political institution has significant political and democratic implications which are not being addressed by policymakers, who are more concerned with the economic interests of corporate media owners than the broader democratic and societal interests of local communities.

Муниципальная общественность и развитие делиберативных процессов на местном уровне (на примере разрешения городских конфликтов)

The study examines the role of the public as an institution of local democracy in deliberative processes, emphasizing its significance in resolving urban conflicts. Specific examples of urban conflict resolution in the city of Surgut, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, are utilized. Methods employed include content analysis of mass media, expert surveys, and mass sociological surveys. The research demonstrates that urban conflicts possess substantial potential for resolution through consensus-based approaches. Therefore, the concept of “deliberative democracy” is quite applicable for analyzing such conflicts at the local level. However, achieving such a consensus necessitates the aggregation and articulation of citizen demands. This, in turn, underscores the need for a local policy actor to function within the political space of the city. In this context, the local community serves as this actor. The internal structure of the municipal public is described, along with the factors contributing to its successful performance as an actor in the deliberative process at the municipal level. In conclusion, the local community plays a crucial role in deliberative processes, especially in the resolution of urban conflicts. The study highlights the structural dynamics and critical factors that enable the local community to effectively function as a deliberative actor in local governance.

Political Dynasties in the Context of Local Democracy (Study of Political Sustainability of the Kerry Saiful Konggoasa Dynasty in the 2024 Konawe Regency Regional Head Election)

Political Dynasties in the Context of Local Democracy (Study of Political Sustainability of the Kerry Saiful Konggoasa Dynasty in the 2024 Konawe Regency Regional Head Election)

Conflict resolution in the customary village governance administration of Baduy, Tengger, and Samin ethnic groups in Indonesia

In Indonesia, the village government organization is part of local democracy. This includes the local democracy in indigenous villages. Indigenous villages have their own customary rules for implementing village elections. They have their own conflict resolution systems in implementing the village government. The implementation of the indigenous village governance leaves conflicts. So, there is a need for a suitable model for resolving problems in the implementation of village elections. The method used in this research is the qualitative research method with the juridical empirical approach. The locus of this research is in the Baduy, Tengger, and Samin indigenous village communities. The conflict resolution model in the administration of the Baduy, Tengger, and Samin customary villages differs in the right mechanism, but in substance, the resolution model is the same, as they use a deliberation model for consensus. In resolving conflicts, indigenous peoples fully submit to traditional leaders. The provincial and the regency/city governments are expected to give greater attention to the conditions of villages with customary government characteristics.

Democratising futures, reinvigorating democracy? Participatory futures as a tool for citizen voice and influence in local decision-making

Purpose In recent years, democracies across Europe have been challenged in ways this paper has not witnessed on such a scale for generations. It is therefore unsurprising that innovations within democracy are emerging, particularly in terms of participatory and deliberative practices. Focusing specifically on local democracy and decision-making, this paper aims to examine ways of democratising future studies as a means of enhancing citizen participation in democracy. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws upon the growing body of work under the umbrella term of “participatory futures” as a way of contextualising and critiquing the “real-world” application and empirical testing of methods within this field by local municipalities. Findings It identifies the importance of supporting the development of futures literacy in citizens, public administration officials and political and strategic leaders. The paper demonstrates how broadening the application of existing foresight techniques through their confluence with participatory action research (PAR) principles can create spaces that reignite people’s social imagination. This in turn enables citizens and those working in local municipalities to engage in dialogue about the future. Originality/value The paper examines the results of a PAR study, in which innovative participatory future methods were tested as tools for enhancing citizen involvement in local decision-making. Through this, it outlines how foresight practices can be democratised, supporting local democracy to thrive, and identifies future research and practice directions within the field.

DESAIN BALIHO KAMPANYE MAHYELDI - AUDY DI PILGUB SUMBAR 2020 SEKARANG

This study analyzes the design of Mahyeldi - Audy's campaign billboard in the 2020 West Sumatra Gubernatorial Election using a qualitative approach with a literature study method. The analysis focuses on visual elements, typography, symbolism, and visual narratives used in the billboard design. The results show that the billboard design successfully combines traditional Minangkabau elements with a vision of modernity, creating a strong visual narrative about leadership rooted in local values yet oriented towards progress. The use of color, typography, and local symbolism demonstrates a deep understanding of the socio-cultural context of West Sumatra. The design's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey complex campaign messages through an easily digestible visual medium while building an emotional connection with voters. However, this design also raises critical questions about gender representation, identity politicization, and the ethics of visual political communication. This study contributes to the understanding of the role of visual communication in shaping political discourse and influencing voter behavior in an increasingly mature era of local democracy.

Policing the police: Why it is so hard to reform police departments in the United States?

Why has it been so difficult to reform U.S. policing? We provide a theoretical argument that understanding of the entrenched militarisation and accountability problems of U.S. police departments would benefit from using theory in comparative research on civil–military relations. American police forces undermine local democracy by encroaching upon the decision-making powers of city officials in ways that resemble militaries in fragile democracies. Applying historical and contemporary evidence and existing scholarly research on policing, we explain police militarisation was initiated by civilian leaders of city governments to garner governmental legitimacy, and by-proxy police support, in racialised contexts. Trading off city governments’ institutional strength in order to maintain legitimacy produced opportunities for police insubordination or subversion of city government oversight of police activity. Consequently, cities with low public legitimacy and/or weak municipal institutions, faced with high demands by militarised police departments, may be more likely to experience police subversion of democratic accountability over police activity.

Local Democratic School: Community Social Training for Improving the Quality of Democracy

The lack of awareness and knowledge among the Banjar community regarding government participation and transparency led to the implementation of the community service activity at the Local Democratic School. The purpose of this community service is to provide education to the community about democracy and governance. The community service method, using the participatory action research approach, began with an initial survey, focus group discussions, and training targeting KPU partners, attended by 25 participants serving as the Election Committee in each village or neighborhood across Banjar City. Through a series of concrete and collaborative steps, it is expected to establish a stronger foundation for inclusive and sustainable democracy at the local level, enhancing community involvement and contribution to positive changes in social structures and public policies. The duration of this PkM activity is seven months, from March to September 2023. The outcomes of the activity received positive feedback from the community, with a 91% response rate from participants indicating an understanding of various topics covered, including local content, governance, civil society, gender and democracy, welfare state, Pancasila democracy, sociopreneurship, law and human rights, and citizen participation in government. The implication is that this program can enhance community understanding and involvement in creating positive changes in social structures and public policies at the local level.

Māori wards and local government democracy: Contested spaces of representation

AbstractThis article uses a decolonising geographical approach to critique the limitations of the Eurocentric model of local government democracy in Aotearoa and Tauranga Moana. Thematic analysis of media representations of the Māori ward debate and semi‐structured interviews illuminates how Māori have been marginalised from local government decision‐making. First, I illustrate the way legislation, practices and processes of local government democracy, including referenda, are mechanisms that marginalise Māori and Te Ao Māori. Second, the article highlights that the establishment of Māori wards within the local government structure is the only way to ensure dedicated representation of Māori as elected members.

지역소멸의 위기에 따른 민주주의의 약화와 대응 방안

In today’s Korean society, the crisis of rapid decline in local population, coupled with a decreasing population, poses one of the biggest challenges in preparing for future generations. Moreover, the issue of rapid decline in local population may present a significant threat to democracy, a foundational principle of the Constitution, beyond just being a concern at the level of industrial or administrative policies for balanced regional development. This article points out that democracy is also weakening due to the crisis of rapid decline in local population, and proposes solutions in terms of the implementation of democracy, focusing on institutions such as elections, political parties, and direct democracy. Firstly, from the perspective of localities and regional populations, there are issues with the proportionality of electoral districts and regional representation. As an extreme imbalance in population between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas forms, the citizens of the latter experience weakened representation in the election of their legislators, leading to the emergence of large electoral districts or the abnormal setting of a single district for areas lacking regional homogeneity or community cohesion. Under the current small constituency plurality system, maintaining strict population proportionality presents a difficult challenge to overcome. To harmonize the proportionality of electoral district populations with regional representation, considering a constitutional amendment to transform the unicameral legislature to a bicameral system where the upper house has regional representation, or adopting a regional proportional representation system for legislative elections, are potential institutional changes that should be explored. Secondly, recognizing regional political parties as a way to promote local democracy could help enhance local political autonomy. Current Party Law recognizes only national parties, and the Constitutional Court has upheld these provisions. However, the essential function of a party is to participate in the formation of political will of the people, which does not necessarily have to be nationwide. Recognizing regional parties could bolster local democracy and should be considered for enhancement. Thirdly, in response to regional issues more actively and flexibly, the diversification of local government structures should be actively recognized, and strengthening direct democracy measures is necessary to address issues in areas experiencing extreme population decline.