millimeter Administrative decentralization and the organization of local units: A comparative study between Iraq and Egypt

Abstract

Administrative decentralization is considered one of the most Important modern methods of organizing public administration, as it is based on distributing administrative functions and powers between the central authority and local units in a manner that achieves administrative efficiency and enhances public participation in managing local affairs. Many countries, including Iraq and Egypt, have adopted the system of administrative decentralization through the establishment of local units that enjoy legal personality and administrative and financial independence within the limits prescribed by law, with the aim of achieving local development and improving public services. This study examines the concept of administrative decentralization and the constitutional and legal foundations for organizing local units in both Iraq and Egypt. It also explains the nature of the powers granted to these unIts and the limits of central supervision over them, in addition to studying the organizational structure of local administration and the mechanisms of exercising local authority. Furthermore, the study highlights the similarities and differences between the Iraqi and Egyptian systems in regulating local units and evaluates the effectiveness of each system in achieving the objectives of administrative decentralization. The study adopts a comparative analytical approach through the analysis of relevant constitutional and legal texts, supported by jurisprudential opinions and judicial rulings to assess the practical implementation of local administration in both countries. The study concludes that both systems have constitutionally and legally adopted the principle of administrative decentralization; however, practical implementation still faces challenges related to weak financial and administrative independence of local units and the continued intervention of the central authority in many competencies, which limits the effectiveness of local administration in achieving balanced development and strengthening local democracy.