The government introduced three key legislative proposals for local government reform aiming to revise laws on Municipalities, Civil Registry, and District Self-Government, consolidate municipalities into 20 units, and establish ‘local clusters’ and ‘district councils’ for smaller communities. These changes signify a significant stride towards a more modern and efficient local governance system, set to be implemented on July 1st.
What are the key legislative proposals introduced for local government reform?
The government introduced three key legislative proposals for local government reform, aiming to:
1. Revise laws on Municipalities, Civil Registry, and District Self-Government.
2. Adjust voting protocols for displaced persons and candidacy criteria.
3. Consolidate 91 municipalities and communities into 20 more robust units.
4. Establish ‘local clusters’ and ‘district councils’ to support smaller communities.
Embarking on Administrative Modernization
The quest for modernizing local governance has taken a significant stride forward. Just recently, the government presented a trio of legislative proposals to parliament, each crucial for the reform project set to be unveiled on the first of July. Notably, these bills aim to revise existing laws on Municipalities, Civil Registry, and District Self-Government.
They encompass a broad range of provisions, from the logistics of the fast-approaching local government elections to the redeployment of current municipal workforce. These legislative changes are designed to streamline the shift to the new administrative framework, ensuring a smoother transition for all involved.
Voting and Candidacy: New Ground Rules
A notable amendment in these bills is the voting protocol for displaced persons. Now, individuals will cast their votes based on their actual residence rather than for municipalities that are currently under occupation, such as Kyrenia or Morphou. This shift gears towards a system where voters elect bodies that directly manage public services they utilize.
The criteria for candidacy have also seen adjustments. Anyone aged 21 by election day can now run for local office, a change from the previous requirement of being 21 at the time of nomination. Additionally, the bills clarify that no person may simultaneously pursue two separate public offices.
Structural Overhaul: Fewer, Stronger Municipalities
This overhaul will witness the consolidation of existing municipalities and local communities into larger, more robust administrative units. The current 28 municipalities and 63 communities are set to merge, forming 18 new Metropolitan municipalities. Paphos and Strovolos municipalities are exceptions, remaining unchanged. This consolidation reduces the total number from 30 to 20.
These Metro municipalities are not just larger; they will have enhanced financial self-sufficiency and broader competencies. From social welfare to school management, these units are expected to manage a diverse set of civic responsibilities more effectively.
Supporting the Smaller Communities
For the smaller communities not merging with municipalities, a new structure known as ‘local clusters’ will be established. These clusters, numbering 30, will provide shared services like waste management and secretarial support and will aid the community councils in fulfilling their duties.
Furthermore, five ‘district councils’ will be created. These councils will be amalgamations of several existing bodies, including sewerage, water supply, waste management, and urban planning authorities, now operating at the district level.
Through these legislative changes, the government is paving the way for a streamlined, efficient, and responsive local governance system. The restructuring aims not only to simplify administrative processes but also to enhance the quality of public services delivered to the citizens. With the upcoming elections and these structural reforms, the face of local government is poised for a significant transformation.
What are the key legislative proposals introduced for local government reform?
The government introduced three key legislative proposals for local government reform, aiming to:
1. Revise laws on Municipalities, Civil Registry, and District Self-Government.
2. Adjust voting protocols for displaced persons and candidacy criteria.
3. Consolidate 91 municipalities and communities into 20 more robust units.
4. Establish ‘local clusters’ and ‘district councils’ to support smaller communities.
What changes are being made to voting protocols and candidacy criteria?
A notable amendment in the bills is the voting protocol for displaced persons, where individuals will now cast their votes based on their actual residence. Additionally, the criteria for candidacy have been adjusted to allow anyone aged 21 by election day to run for local office and clarify that no person may simultaneously pursue two separate public offices.
How will the structural overhaul impact municipalities?
The structural overhaul will result in the consolidation of existing municipalities and local communities into larger, more robust administrative units. This consolidation will reduce the total number of municipalities from 30 to 20, with exceptions for Paphos and Strovolos municipalities. The new Metropolitan municipalities are expected to have enhanced financial self-sufficiency and broader competencies to manage civic responsibilities more effectively.
What support will be provided for smaller communities under the reform?
For smaller communities not merging with municipalities, ‘local clusters’ will be established to provide shared services like waste management and secretarial support. Additionally, five ‘district councils’ will be created to amalgamate various authorities operating at the district level, such as sewerage, water supply, waste management, and urban planning.
