Local Council Oversight and Executives Accountability in Amhara Region

Local councils are the core units of decentralised governments. They represent the people, and make the executive accountable. Effective council enhances the government’s legitimacy by increasing its responsiveness, inclusiveness, and representativeness. This study assessed the effectiveness of the council’s oversight over the executive in Amhara region. Three Zones, five Worerdas, and ten Kebeles were selected. Data was collected from the Woreda and Kebele council members, members of the executive, council speakers, and council standing committee members. A total of 405 council members were used to collect the survey data. Data was also collected using key-informant interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of the study revealed that the local council both at Kebele and Woreda levels less influencing the executive. Low literacy levels and party affiliation in the councils’ are the critical challenges of council oversight. Due to this, the needs and interests of the community are less represented.