Local Self-Government in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Analysis of the Normative Framework Through the International Standards with Special Reference to Citizen Participation

Abstract

In the article, the authors analyze the normative framework of local self-government in Bosnia and Herzegovina according to international standards with special reference to citizen participation. The authors analyze the normative regulation of local self-government along with the relevant acts of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities that refer to Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to the existing normative framework, the authors examine the possibilities of applying deliberative democracy through the analysis of the pilot project Development of Democratic Participation in the City of Mostar and the possibility of introducing electronic democracy mechanisms. The results of the research indicate that the basic problems in the functioning of local self-government are reflected in a complex multi-level normative framework, an inadequate system of local self-government financing, and insufficient use of existing democratic mechanisms that promote citizen participation in local self-government units. In order to make more efficient use of existing mechanisms and strengthen citizen participation, the authors suggest the implementation of unconventional models of democracy, deliberative and electronic democracy. The implementation of these mechanisms could strengthen the democracy of local self-government and contribute to the strengthening of public trust in local government.