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The Association of the Units of Local Self Government was formed in 1972 but was reconstituted when the new Law on Local Self Government was enacted in 1996. During the period between 1990-1996 when there was no overall law on local government, ZELS was very active on behalf of the municipalities. The Association produced and disseminated model ordinances for its members. It also provided a forum to debate these various models as well as participated in drafting the new local government law. Under the present governing charter membership for the municipalities is obligatory.
According to the Association’s statute adopted in October, 2004, the overall mission of ZELS is to advance the principles of local governance through the following activities:
• Promoting and encouraging mutual cooperation and information sharing among its members
• Serving as a lobby group and acting as an advisory body to the central government in the arena of local government;
• Establishing relations with national and international associations of local authorities;
• Promoting continuous and constructive cooperation between the local governments and the state authorities; and
• Organizing training and conference opportunities to its members.