Wotum zaufania – referendum odwoławcze – wybory

Kompatybilność i skuteczność mechanizmów rozliczalności organów samorządowych (na przykładzie wybranych gmin w Polsce)

Abstract

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE – RECALL REFERENDUM – ELECTIONS: COMPATIBILITY AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISMS OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES (WITH THE EXAMPLE OF SELECTED MUNICIPALITIES IN POLAND)
In addition to elections and recall referendum, another method of holding local authorities accountable has been introduced in Poland – an annual report on the state of a local government unit and a debate on it – with the possible participation of residents – concluding with the granting or refusal to grant a vote of confidence in the local executive by the local legislative. The article addresses the issue of consistency of the results of the report and debate mechanism with the results of recall referenda and municipal elections. The research was based on the theory of accountability, interpreted as a three-dimensional process whose components are information, discussion and consequences. A multiple case study was used as the main research method; the research was performed in 14 municipalities. The authors found that elections remain the most effective instrument of accountability. Recall referendums most often remain invalid due to a too low turnout, while the report and debate on the state of the municipality, and a possible lack of confidence do not always end with the next step – a resolution to hold a recall referendum of the mayor. However, in most of the cases examined, there was consistency in the results of these two or three accountability mechanisms.