Local Administration in Egypt: Reality and Vision for the Future

Abstract

This paper explores the causes behind the discrepancy between Egyptian local administration and the global trend toward decentralization, as well as the many unique rights granted by the constitutions of 2012 and 2014. It highlighted multiple impediments to the development of local administration in Egypt and proposed various ways to overcome them. They include establishing a national consensus on local governance development and a clear and transparent description of local capabilities; giving municipalities and their constituents the means to formulate their own policies and hold executive officials to account; reviewing the various levels of local administration; forming local associations; devising an appropriate electoral system for local councils; empowering executives to take responsibility; fostering collaborations among local development partners and considering the differences across regional bodies.