Popular Participation, Decentralisation, and Local Power Relations in Bolivia (English shop)

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This dissertation examines the impact of popular participation and decentralisation on local power relations in Bolivia. The research focuses on political and administrative reforms following the introduction of the Law of Popular Participation in 1994 and the Law of Administrative Decentralisation in 1995. Through a comparative study of eight municipalities in the department of Chuquisaca, the author investigates how different social, ethnic, and economic structures influence political participation and the distribution of power. Particular attention is given to indigenous political representation, the role of local elites, and the influence of political parties and civil society organisations. Methodologically, the study combines an actor-oriented approach with historical analysis and empirical field research. The findings demonstrate that pre-existing power structures significantly determine which social groups benefit from decentralisation reforms. While highly differentiated municipalities frequently remain dominated by established elites, less differentiated municipalities sometimes provide broader opportunities for political participation. Clientelism, poverty, and undemocratic political practices further restrict the effectiveness of these reforms. The study highlights the importance of historical power relations and social differentiation in shaping democratic decentralisation processes.