Strategies for Establishing an Optimal Administrative Decentralization System and Realizing Local Governments in Iran

Abstract

In recent decades, many nation-states have sought to design or reform the system of delegation and devolution of authority to their local units. Decentralization is an interdisciplinary concept that intersects with law and political science on the one hand, and public administration on the other. Following common international patterns—particularly the successful French model of decentralization—Iran has attempted to delegate administrative, political, and legislative powers—or more precisely, "the devolution of authority"—in many local affairs to constituent local units such as councils. However, this process has encountered various challenges. Therefore, the present author aims to explain the strategies for establishing an administrative decentralization system and achieving an efficient local government in Iran, which is the primary objective of this article. The method used in this study is descriptive-analytical. The results of the present analysis indicate that determining the position of local councils or local governance systems within the national power structure, distinguishing between national and local affairs, ensuring genuine and effective participation of local populations in managing local affairs, and transferring administrative governance to elected local representatives are among the most important strategies for achieving an efficient local government in Iran. Furthermore, to ensure independence and operational autonomy, it is essential that local governments not possess any particular dependence on the central government.