Introduction: Institutional Choice and Recognition in the Formation and Consolidation of Local Democracy

摘要: What are the democracy effects of 'decentralisation' reforms and projects? Most developing countries have launched decentralisation for purpose improving service delivery, local development management. In these projects, however, governments, international agen­cies large non-governmental organisations (NGOs) transferring power to a wide range in­stitutions, including private bodies, customary authorities NGOs. Recognition other institutions means that fledgling governments receiving few public powers face competition legitimacy. Under what conditions is new plurality approaches interlocutors fostering democratic consolidation or resulting in fragmented forms authority belonging? Through case studies Benin, Guatemala, India, Malawi, Russia, Senegal South Africa, this issue explores institutional choices recognition by agencies NGOs on three dimensions democracy: 1) representation, 2) citizenship 3) domain. This article outlines an approach politics choice while drawing out findings from articles issue.