Decentralization/Federalism – 1995
1995
In March 1995, Law 95-022 was passed. This law outlines the role of state functionaries in the administration of the new territorial collectivities. In April, villages began to deliberate on the self-determination of communes. Law 95-034 was passed, which established not only the Territorial Collectivities Code but also the jurisdiction of the new unitsÕ governing bodies at different levels. In May the presidential decree was announced (Decree 95-210) which determined state representation at the level of collectivities.1
The outcome of these decentralization initiatives was the regrouping of the communes into eight regions. Depending on the size of their population, each commune could have a council of 11-15 members popularly elected for five-year terms. Similarly, councils, as provided by the decentralization law (95-034) were to be formed at the circle and regional levels with members drawn from lower collectivity representatives. Though the state was represented through the presence of civil servants at each level, this was a complete transfer of power to the new collectivities.