UNMIK/FR/002/01
FEATURE RELEASE 001 - 5 January, 2001

Muncipal progress

Municipal Assemblies broadly on track

According to the target dates for the transition from the appointed Municipal Councils to elected and fully-functioning Municipal Assemblies, the basic components of the new system of local governance should have been in place by the beginning of the year. A handful of problem municipalities apart, this is broadly what happened (see table).

As of 31 December, all 30 municipalities except the three northern ones (Leposaviq, Zubin Potok and Zveēan) now have sworn-in Assembly Members, and they have all taken the crucial initial step of electing their Presidents and/or Deputy-Presidents. Three municipalities (Deēan, Shtime and Viti) have elected Deputy Presidents from a party different to that of the President. Shtėrpcė is unique in having a Deputy-President and, so far, no President. Three municipalities have elected an additional Deputy-President.

Nine Assemblies have set up all three of their three required committees (for policy and finance, communities and mediation). Complying with the Local Administration Regulation, they reflect the proportion of political seats held in their respective Assemblies. They should also have sought an equitable gender balance.

Of those with Presidents or Deputy-Presidents, all but nine have at least appointed Members to their Policy and Finance Committee. They have also advertized the posts of Chief Executive Officers (CEO) and Directors. As a result, seven municipalities now boast a CEO; three (Ferizaj, Novobėrdė and Suhareka) have  functioning Boards of Directors. Two muncipalities have already adopted their Statutes: Gjakovė and Suharekė.

If their were a prize for completing the basic steps, the betting would be on Ferizaj, Novobėrdė or Suharekė. Ferzaj and Novobėrdė have only adopt their Statutes to conclude their establishment. Suharekė lacks on the members of its Policy and Finance Committee.

In contrast, seven out of the thirty municipalities have made little or no progress. Like the three in the north, Dragash, Kaēanik, Malishevė and Pejė, still have none of the required committees, no CEO and Boards of Directors, and no Statute.

Officials in the Department of Administration expect things to speed up next week as normality returns after the holiday period. But much remains to be done. Other committees, also reflecting the proportion of seats held in the Assemblies, have to be set up. Each committee must elect a Chair and Vice-Chair. Existing local community offices have to be transformed into Community Offices and integrated into municipal structures. Independent auditors, appointed by the Central Fiscal Authority have to begin auditing eachmunicipality financial statements and evaluating their financial management systems.

For a selection of photographs, please contact Mr. Ky Chung at 038 504-604 ext. 5467

Contact: P. Ellwood
(038) 504 604 Ext. 5471
E-mail: ellwood@un.org