Posted on Wed, Oct. 17, 2007 Decentralization efforts in select countries
Argentina: Governors elected since 1912 and mayors since the 1950s, except during authoritarian periods. Both elected since 1983. Local governments have strong powers. ..
Bolivia: Governors first elected in 2005, mayors since 1985. Governors are fighting with President Evo Morales over spending authority. ..
Brazil: Governors directly elected since 1982, mayors since 1946 except in large cities during authoritarian government 1964-85. Local governments have strong taxing and spending authority. ..
Chile: Mayors elected since 1992. Regional governments are weak, while municipal governments have gained greater autonomy. But subnational share of total spending remains low. ..
Colombia: State and local governments have much autonomy over social and economic policies. Mayors elected after 1989 and governors after 1990. ..
Mexico: Local governments have strong powers. ..
Peru: Governors first elected in 2002. ..
Uruguay: Fiscal decentralization for municipalities began in 1985. ..
Venezuela: Governors first elected in 1989, with growing fiscal and policy powers. Chávez has been recentralizing power since taking office in 1999.