Decentralization, Local Government, and Citizen Participation: Unsolved Problems in the Guatemalan Democratization Process

Abstract

A discussion of the gains/failures of the democratization process in Guatemala focuses on decentralization, local government, & citizen participation. The policies of three presidencies are evaluated in terms of their impact on the decentralization process & the quality of service delivery. Problems not yet addressed are said to include the scarcity of citizen representation in the municipios & villages, weak representation at the departmental level, & a complete lack of citizen participation at the regional & national levels. The need to develop support systems for the municipal system is discussed, noting there is no framework for training personnel or providing long-term technical or financial assistance. Special attention is given to the link between governability & an effective model of the budget criteria for transfer payments. It is concluded that steps must be taken to extend decentralization to the regional & local levels, & future policies should focus on responding to the needs of the population & making the delivery of services more effective. 1 Table, 34 References. J. Lindroth