LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION IN PEACEMAKING PROCESSES AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER PROVINCES

Abstract

            Local administrative organization is a significant organization in the process of peacemaking. Since, the implementation of policies and projects of local administrative organization can bring about to making peace. However, there are several factors influencing the implementation of such peace projects of local administrative organization. Thus, the objectives of the study were, firstly, to investigate factors affecting the operation of peace projects of local administrative organization in southern border provinces. The second objective was to suggest the approaches increasing capacities of local administrative organization in southern border provinces to implement its peace projects. This paper was written based on qualitative data that were collected by focus group and in depth interview technique. The researcher applied purposive sampling technique with local administrative organizations in southern border provinces that were rewarded in terms of supporting peace. The number of participants was 51 persons. According to the findings of the study, driven factors influencing the implementation of peace projects were, such as, intention of leadership of local administrative organization, networking among stakeholders at local level, and enhancing participation of local communities. However, there were certain barriers influencing the operation of local administrative organizations. Barriers were, for example, the different opinions between leadership of local administrative organization and local officials, problem associated with discretion of external inspection units, lacking of academic skill of local officials, and suspicion of the officials of central government. This study suggested some approaches to reinforce local administrative organizations in peacemaking processes. Recommendations were applying principles of good governance as a tool to implement projects and activities of peacemaking of local administrative organizations, applying management information system for local administrative organizations, enhancement of academic skills of local officials, and increasing the trustworthiness in local administrative organizations.