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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Secretary-General highlights central role of local democracy

4 March 2003

"Local government and local administration must be truly democratic", said Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon today.
Speaking today in Tshwane, South Africa, where he was addressing the second Commonwealth Local Government Conference, Mr McKinnon emphasised the key role of local democracy in all Commonwealth countries; "Local democracy must ensure that delivery reflects the priorities of the community and that it reduces poverty and promotes economic development", he said.

"Local democracy must set realistic but high standards - and ensure that they are met", said Mr McKinnon, adding that local democracy, "must be implemented in such a way that it empowers people - not least women."
The Conference is taking place on 4-6 March 2003, and has brought together local government leaders, ministers and senior officials from countries across the Commonwealth, to discuss 'Local Government Service Partnerships'.

The Secretary-General drew attention to the degree of tension that exists between different spheres of government. "Sometimes there is a very marked imbalance, and the tension is not always of the creative variety. In the interests of both democracy and efficiency there has to be a balance in the relationship between national, regional and local democracy."
"Local governments should not simply be the local deliverers of policies and services which are shaped, delivered and wholly funded at national level", he added.

The Secretary-General also referred to the good relationship between the Commonwealth Local Government Forum and the Commonwealth Secretariat and to their collaborative work in observing elections and providing technical experts to strengthen local democracy in several member countries.

Note to Editors:
The Conference is organised by the Commonwealth Local Government Forum and hosted by Tshwane City Council in partnership with the South African Local Government Association and the South African Department of Provincial and Local Government.
The first Commonwealth Local Government Conference was held in London, UK on 13-14 September 2000.

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