Democratization of Local Government as a Stage of Decentralization Reform in Ukraine

The relevance of the problem of democratization of local governance is determined by the context and status of the decentralization reform in Ukraine. This goal is contained in the decentralization concept approved in 2014. Its actualization is confirmed by the recent adoption of a number of legal acts. The purpose of the study is to analyze the state and main directions of democratization of local governance in the context of the decentralization reform, and attempt to typify the tasks of democratization in the context of the proximate or post-war perspective. The specifics of the first stage of decentralization were focusing on community amalgamation, transferring of powers and financial resources to local governments, and administrative and territorial reform at the district level. Thus, democratization was not a priority at this stage. It becomes a priority in the context of post-war reconstruction, but not only. The democratization of local governance means, in particular, the involvement of citizens in the management of territorial communities. The forms of such involvement of citizens are prescribed in the Law "On Local Municipalities in Ukraine" and other laws. At the same time, according to researchers, in reality the list of possible forms is wider than specified in the laws. On the other hand, there are gaps in the legislation that don’t contribute to the acceleration of the processes of democratization of local governance. These gaps need to be filled. Martial law limits using democratization mechanisms, primarily in the context of the election of public authorities, holding mass meetings. At the same time, according to researchers, a number of other mechanisms (public discussions, consultative and advisory authorities, public expertise, etc.) can be used already today, and in the context of interaction not only with local government, but also where military administrations operate. In recent years, system of public organizations has been formed, the purpose of which is to promote the mechanisms of democratization of local governance. They carry out not only informational and analytic and lobbying, but also active educational practice, which thus become a feature of the current stage of decentralization, in particular, the democratization of governance.