omavalitsusnõukogu

An omavalitsusnõukogu, often translated as a local government council, is a fundamental representative body within the local self-government system of Estonia. It serves as the highest decision-making authority in a municipality, which can be either a rural municipality (vallavalitsus) or a city (linnavalitsus). The members of the omavalitsusnõukogu, known as councillors or deputies, are elected by the residents of the municipality for a term of four years through direct, universal, and secret elections. The number of councillors varies depending on the size and population of the municipality.

The primary role of the omavalitsusnõukogu is to represent the interests of the local population and to manage the affairs of the municipality. Its key responsibilities include adopting the municipal budget, approving the municipal development plan, enacting local regulations and ordinances, and overseeing the activities of the executive body, the omavalitsusjuht (municipal mayor or elder). The council also decides on matters related to municipal property, land use, and the provision of public services such as education, healthcare, and social welfare within its jurisdiction. Council meetings are generally open to the public, promoting transparency in local governance.