THE ROLE OF LOCAL LAWS IN FOSTERING DEMOCRATIC CITIZENSHIP: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN MUNICIPALITIES AND SUBDISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

The role of local law is crucial in fostering democratic citizenship, particularly at the grassroots level where citizens have the opportunity to participate in shaping the direction of their own communities. This article examines the role of legal frameworks in promoting public participation, through a comparative analysis between municipalities and Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (SAOs). The study analyzes legal structures, participatory mechanisms, and their impacts on the political behavior of local citizens, drawing on relevant legislation and synthesizing data from academic literature. The findings reveal that municipalities possess structural advantages in facilitating citizen participation in policymaking, supported by a range of clear, accessible, and legally binding mechanisms. In contrast, while SAOs are geographically and socially closer to local residents, they lack sufficient legal tools and institutional resources to promote meaningful participation. As a result, citizen engagement in SAOs tends to be limited to informal or activity-based involvement, rather than policy-level engagement. Based on these findings, the study proposes several development strategies: revising local governance laws to enhance participatory opportunities, establishing local citizens’ councils at the subdistrict level, promoting digital platforms for civic communication, and cultivating democratic attitudes among local officials. These measures aim to transform local laws into effective instruments for embedding democratic culture at the community level in a systematic and sustainable manner.