Algerian Municipalities: Reality of Administrative Organization, Participation of Elected, and Citizens' Challenges of Governance Case of Algiers Municipalities

Abstract

Introduction: The province of Algiers faces mounting administrative and governance challenges linked to rapid urbanisation, spatial transformation, and the limited performance of local elected officials.

Objectives: To evaluate the organisational structures and framing of Algiers municipalities, assess the participation of elected officials and citizens in local governance, and identify the obstacles to implementing good governance standards in the capital.

Methods: The study combines analysis of official data from the National Office of Statistics with fieldwork comprising closed questionnaires and personal interviews distributed to 52 elected officials and 132 citizens across central and suburban municipalities in Algiers.

Results: Municipalities suffer from inconsistent organisational structures, low framing ratios (averaging 8.53%), and a lack of training for elected officials. Nearly half of elected officials do not participate in decision-making, and citizen participation in urban affairs remains weak at 24.24%, reflecting a significant gap in governance standards.

Conclusions: Algiers requires a special legal framework tailored to its metropolitan status, revised organisational structures, enhanced capacity-building for elected officials, and effective mechanisms for citizen and civil society participation to achieve good local governance.