Legal framework for citizen participation in decision-making processes at the local level - the context of Kosovo

• Author: Avni H. Alidemaj
• Position: International Business College of Mitrovica (IBC-M)
• Pages: 115-129

European Journal of Economics, Law and Social Sciences

IIPCCL Publishing, Graz-Austria

Vol. 4 No. 2

June, 2020

ISSN 2519-1284

Acces online at www.iipccl.org

115

Legal framework for citizen participation in decision-making processes at the

local level - the context of Kosovo

PhD(C.) Avni H. Alidemaj

InternationalBusinessCollegeofMitrovicaIBCM

Abstract

Public participation is essential to the promotion of democratic governance, the rule of law,

socialinclusionand economicdevelopmentincluding thefulllmentof humanrightsEach

countryshouldcreatethelegalframeworkforgivingeecttotherighttoparticipateinpublic

aairs by ratifying relevant international and regional treaties and incorporated them in

national laws, policies and practices in order to ensure that equal right to participate in public

aairsis recognized and protectedwithin national legal frameworkDespite being afairly

young democracy, Kosovo has a progressive legal framework. It has been developed with a

strong support of the international community whereby majority of international instruments

areincorporatedwithinconstitutionalprovisionsandnumerouspositivelawsConsequently

the right to participate is entrenched in constitutional provisions, laws and bylaws of Kosovo.

ThispaperexplainstheeortsundertakeninKosovotoincreasetheparticipationofcitizensin

decision-making process using: normative legal method and qualitative method, by focusing

onthespecicanalysis ofthelegalframework forcitizenparticipationby comparingitwith

establishedpracticeswhichareoeninconictwith thelegalbasisasaresultofinterference

by political institutions.

Keywords: public administration, transparency, political interference, public consultation,

public policy.

Introduction

Good governance rule of law and an accountable and transparent public

administration are regarded as key to the realization of sustained economic growth,

equity and social justice, and to strengthening implementation of the internationally

agreeddevelopmentgoalsincluding theMillenniumDevelopmentGoalsMDGs

Public participation plays a crucial role in the promotion of democratic governance, the

rule of law, social inclusion and economic development, including the advancement

of all human rights. The right to directly and indirectly participate in public life is

important in empowering individuals and groups, and is one of the core elements

of human rights-based approaches aimed at eliminating marginalization and

discrimination. Participation rights are closely linked to other human rights such as

therightsto peacefulassemblyand associationfreedomof expressionandopinion

and the rights to education and to information.

1 United Nations. (2008). People Matter: Civic Engagement in Public Governance - world Public Sector

Report 2008. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, New York, pg. 3.

2 

affair. Available at: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Pages/EqualParticipation.aspx [Accessed on April 28,

2020].