Analysis of the Albanian legislation and perceptions of voters relevant to the quality of citizens representation in local government bodies
Analysis of the Albanian legislation and perceptions of voters relevant to the quality of citizens representation in local government bodies

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the way in which the Albanian legislation treats issues related to the election and functioning of the local government. Based on the results of the comparative analysis of this legislation with international standards, the scope of the study is to identify the problems and formulate the interventions that can be made, with the objective of increasing the quality in the functioning of representative democracy at the local level. The empirical research was based on primary data that reflects the perceptions and opinions of citizens related to the quality of their representation in the local government bodies and their opinions regarding the quality of services that the local government provides. The expansion of the territories of the municipalities after the last territorial administrative reform, influenced the growth of differences in development indicators and social, cultural, behavioral and traditional features that characterizes the different communities belonging to the same municipality. The current legislation according to which local government bodies are elected is not adapted to these changes. Citizens, especially in rural areas, say that local government bodies do not offer quality services in accordance to their requests. The need for changing the electoral system for electing local government bodies with open lists and to increase the opportunities for representation in municipal councils of marginalized communities and national minorities is identified as a demand expressed by the majority of citizens.

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