ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
SCIENCE
АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 9 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
136
THE ROLE OF SELF-GOVERNMENT BODIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIL
SOCIETY
Jumayev Yuldosh Gafurovich
Doctor of Law (PhD), Associate Professor of the Department of Jurisprudence,
Faculty of History and Law, Bukhara State University.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17096609
Abstract. This article provides a thorough theoretical and practical analysis of the role of
self-governing bodies—particularly mahallas, citizens' assemblies, and public organizations—in
the formation and development of civil society. Within the context of ongoing democratic reforms
in Uzbekistan, increasing civic engagement, enhancing the significance of the mahalla
institution, and establishing an effective mechanism of mediation between the state and society
are considered among the key objectives. The article examines the functions of self-governing
bodies, their legal foundations, and their interactions with civil society institutions. It also
analyzes their contributions to enhancing the social, economic, and cultural activity of the
population. Furthermore, based on comparative analysis with advanced international practices,
the article identifies both the strengths and weaknesses of the current system in Uzbekistan.
In conclusion, the article presents concrete recommendations and proposals aimed at
unlocking the full potential of self-governing bodies in strengthening civil society. This scientific
work may serve as a valuable resource for researchers in the field of social sciences,
professionals in public administration, and the broader audience interested in the development
of civil society.
Keywords: Civil society, self-governing bodies, mahalla institution, public governance,
civic engagement, democratic participation, social institutions, local governance, legal
foundations, social cooperation, digital governance, mahalla system, international experience,
civic culture, state-society partnership.
Introduction
The formation of a democratic state and civil society remains one of the priority
directions in the socio-political development of the Republic of Uzbekistan today. Civil society
is a system of conditions created for citizens to voluntarily unite, actively participate in social
life, independently express and protect their interests. Its successful formation and functioning
depend on the effective operation of mechanisms that ensure balanced relations between the state
and society. In this regard, self-governing bodies occupy a special place as the main link of civil
society.
Self-governing bodies are democratic institutions that serve the interests of citizens at
the local level and operate on a public basis. They perform functions such as maintaining social
stability in society, increasing civic activity, supporting citizens’ initiatives, and solving local
issues in cooperation with state authorities. In particular, in Uzbekistan, the mahalla institution,
with its historical roots and modern form harmonized with national traditions, further strengthens
the role and significance of these bodies in the formation of civil society.
Today, the improvement of the self-governance system of citizens, the strengthening of
its legal foundations, the modernization of its organizational structure, and the encouragement of
local initiatives open up broader opportunities for the development of civil society in our
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
SCIENCE
АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 9 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
137
country. Within the framework of the idea of “New Uzbekistan – a new stage of development”
put forward by our President, the mahalla system and other self-governing institutions are
recognized as effective tools in governing society. Therefore, their potential is invaluable not
only in addressing local problems, but also in shaping civic consciousness, raising legal culture,
ensuring transparency, and strengthening social justice.
This article provides a scientific analysis of the role of self-governing bodies in the
development of civil society, their legal and regulatory framework, institutional structures,
mechanisms of activity, their impact on social life, existing problems, and ways to overcome
them. In addition, analytical views based on local and international experience are presented, and
practical proposals are put forward. This research is of great importance in studying civil society
institutions in depth, supporting their development, and strengthening social stability and
participatory governance in society.
Literature Review and Scientific Discussion
The Role of the Self-Governance System in the Formation of Civil Society
As stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, increasing citizens’
activity in state and social life and widely involving them in socio-political processes are
essential factors of democratic development. Civil society institutions, in particular self-
governing bodies, serve as the main instrument in achieving this goal. They ensure citizens’
direct participation in expressing local interests, social protection, educational and cultural
activities, and issues of territorial development.
In Uzbekistan, the system of self-governance,
especially the functioning of the mahalla institution, has been formed on the basis of centuries-
old historical traditions, while during the years of independence its legal and organizational
foundations were further strengthened. The Law “On Citizens’ Self-Government Bodies” (1993,
revised edition – 2013) and other normative documents clearly defined the powers of mahallas
and citizens’ assemblies. As a result, social institutions that mediate between the state and
society were established.
Furthermore, the “New Uzbekistan” Development Strategy (2022–
2026) has placed special emphasis on strengthening civil society, expanding the powers of self-
governing bodies, and ensuring their financial independence. The reforms in this area contribute
to solving socio-economic problems of the population at the local level and encourage citizens to
actively participate in governance.
Literature Review
Scientific research conducted on this topic has examined the role of the self-governance
system in the development of civil society from different perspectives. In particular, G.S. Saidov
(2021), in his legal analysis, revealed the constitutional status of the mahalla institution.
According to him, the mahalla, as the initial link of civil society, is the most important
element of social governance.
Doctor of Social Sciences Sh.X. Qodirov (2020) emphasized the role of the mahalla in
social control, highlighting that this system is an important instrument in raising citizens’ legal
culture and civic activity. Likewise, S.S. Haydarov (2019), analyzing foreign experiences in his
works, provided recommendations on strengthening civil society through local self-governing
bodies.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
SCIENCE
АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 9 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
138
From the perspective of international practice, the UN Social Development Reports
(2021, 2023) underline that the functioning of local governance institutions on the principles of
inclusiveness, transparency, and participation is a crucial factor in strengthening civil society.
Scientific Discussion
The above-mentioned analyses show that the interrelation between civil society
institutions and self-governing bodies is a necessary condition for democratic development. In
the context of Uzbekistan, this interrelation finds its expression primarily through the strong
social foundation of the mahalla institution. Mahalla chairpersons, public commissions,
preventive inspectors, and other actors create a system for identifying the needs and problems of
the population and taking practical measures accordingly.
However, existing challenges — bureaucratic barriers, limited financial resources, and
staff shortages in certain regions — hinder the full realization of the potential of the self-
governance system. This sets specific tasks before the scientific community and political
scientists, such as:
reviewing the powers of self-governing bodies;
digitalizing and enhancing transparency;
strengthening civic consciousness by teaching citizens to express and defend their
interests.
As a result, self-governing bodies can become the real foundation of a genuine civil
society. In this regard, scientific research, practical reforms, and social innovations must be
harmonized in a single direction.
Analysis of International Experience
The role of self-governing bodies in the formation and sustainable development of civil
society is regarded as an important practice not only in Uzbekistan but also in developed and
developing countries. Although approaches differ in terms of the structure, scope of authority,
and financial independence of these institutions, their functional essence in promoting civil
society shares common features. Below are analyses of several advanced foreign experiences.
1. The German Experience
In Germany, the local self-governance system forms the basis of the federal structure and
is defined as a constitutional right. According to the principle of “communal autonomy,” each
municipality (city, town, village) has the authority to independently manage financial,
administrative, and organizational activities within its territory. Citizens participate directly in
shaping the budget and in making important decisions, ensuring their real involvement in
governance. Moreover, “citizens’ initiatives” are highly developed in Germany, enabling the
public to continuously evaluate state activities.
2. The Japanese Experience
In Japan, citizens’ active participation in social life is reflected particularly through local
self-governing groups known as Chounaikai. These groups are established on a voluntary basis
and engage in community dialogue, infrastructure issues, social services, and the development of
civic culture. Japan’s self-governing bodies operate on the basis of a high level of collective
culture and discipline. The state does not directly finance these groups but supports their
initiatives, thereby encouraging grassroots participation.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
SCIENCE
АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 9 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
139
3. The South Korean Experience
In South Korea, “resident councils” and “neighborhood committees” play an important
role in the development of civil society. They serve as intermediaries between the state and
society. In each district or neighborhood, residents’ assemblies are regularly held, and projects
are planned on the basis of public opinion. Since the 2000s, the “participatory budgeting”
program has enabled citizens to directly take part in financial decision-making. This has
contributed to building public trust in the state and has shown positive results in combating
corruption.
4. The French and Swedish Experiences
In France, local self-governing bodies enjoy broad democratic powers, and citizens are
involved in governance through public councils. In Sweden, “communes” are tasked primarily
with representing the interests of the population and ensuring the fair distribution of social
services. In these countries, civil society institutions promote the principles of social justice,
equality, and inclusiveness.
Conclusion
Research and analysis show that self-governing bodies are one of the key institutions of
civil society. Their activities play an important role in ensuring social stability, representing and
protecting the rights and interests of citizens, involving them in governance, as well as building a
reliable bridge between the state and society. In particular, under the conditions of Uzbekistan,
the mahalla institution demonstrates practical results not only in social control but also in legal
education, youth engagement, and social protection. At the same time, existing challenges—such
as the inconsistency between legal powers and practical capacities, limitations in financial and
human resources, and the low level of citizen participation—hinder self-governing bodies from
making a full contribution to the development of civil society. The analysis of foreign experience
indicates that strengthening local self-government institutions and actively involving them in
reform and digitalization processes can establish a solid foundation for civil society.
Recommendations
1. Improving the legal framework
It is necessary to develop new legislative acts that clearly define the powers of self-
governing bodies, simplify their operational mechanisms, and enhance their effectiveness.
2. Ensuring financial independence
Mahalla and citizens’ assemblies should be granted the ability to use local budget funds
independently. Alongside state subsidies, mechanisms of sponsorship, social orders, and grants
should be further developed.
3. Enhancing human capacity
Regular training courses, workshops, and webinars should be organized for mahalla
chairpersons, secretaries, commission members, and other staff. Special attention should be
given to developing skills in digital governance and social project management.
4. Expanding citizen participation
Mechanisms such as mahalla meetings, surveys, and “participatory budgeting” should be
employed to expand public involvement in governance and engage citizens in decision-making
processes.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN
SCIENCE
АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 9 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
140
5. Ensuring digitalization and transparency
Mechanisms should be introduced to provide open access to information on the activities
of mahallas and citizens’ assemblies, receive appeals through online platforms, and publish
reports and decisions for public oversight.
6. Studying and applying international experience
The practices of countries such as Germany, Japan, and South Korea in ensuring direct
citizen participation in local governance should be thoroughly studied, and practical models
adapted to the context of Uzbekistan should be developed.
7. Establishing a system of scientific and public monitoring
A system of evaluation by the academic community and the public should be introduced
to monitor the activities of self-governing bodies. Developing clear assessment criteria and
generating recommendations based on results will significantly improve efficiency.
References
1.
Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (2023). Tashkent: Adolat.
2.
Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Citizens’ Self-Government Bodies.” (Adopted
September 2, 1993; revised September 14, 2013).
3.
Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF–60. (2022). New Uzbekistan
Development Strategy for 2022–2026.
4.
Saidov, G. S. (2021). Civil Society and the Rule of Law: Theoretical and Legal
Foundations. Tashkent: Uzbekistan.
5.
Qodirov, Sh. Kh. (2020). Mahalla and Social Control: Political and Social Aspects.
Tashkent: Ilm Ziyo.
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Haydarov, S. S. (2019). Factors of Development of Civil Society Institutions. Tashkent:
Science and Technology.
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United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2021). Local Governance and Civic
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Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (BpB). (2019). Kommunale Selbstverwaltung in
Deutschland. Bonn.
10.
Cho, Y. H., & Lee, J. W. (2018). Participatory budgeting in South Korea: Civil society’s
role in local governance reform. Asian Survey, 58(6).
