The Role of Political Decentralization on the Development of Democracy in Dawro Zone

Abstract

Political decentralization is to give the right to the citizens to elect their leader or have power in making decisions in commonly and also more influences in formulation and implementation of policies. The purpose of this study is to identify the role of political decentralization for the development of democracy and explains major challenges and level of political decentralization in Dawro Zone. To achieve the objective of the study, the research used qualitative and quantitative approaches and it employed descriptive survey design. The researcher used purposive sampling technique to select the resident. The target population of this study was Dawro Zone resident and among the resident 110 respondents was selected. On the other hand, 33 individuals from the zonal government office obtained to face to face interview through comprehensive sampling technique. To collect the data the researcher used primary and secondary data sources. To analyses the data, the study used descriptive research approaches. The study found that the contribution of decentralization system to increase popular participation, increase responsiveness, enhance service delivery and increase transparency and accountability. Based on the data gathered from the respondent the level of political decentralization in Dawro zone is low due to lack of good leadership capacity, low level of popular participation, lack of transparency and accountability and low level of completion. So minimize or reduce the problem, it recommended for government to motivate people and create awareness about the relevancies of decentralization to promote democracy. Second, government, people and officials should ensure availability, accessibility and sustained advocacy for implementation of decentralization system. Finally, the researcher suggested creating strong linkage among Dawro zone sector administration on the basis of their personal skill and work experience in order to enhance its effectiveness and promote democracy.

Keywords: Dawro, Political decentralization, Development, Democracy

DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/79-02

Publication date: April 30^th 2022