Public participation in the management of local government in vietnam

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE MANAGEMENT
OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN VIETNAM:
A CASE STUDY OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN
THE PROCESS OF MAKING PROVINCIAL LAWS IN
DONG NAI PROVINCE

By
TUAN QUANG PHAN
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree of Professional Doctorate in Legal Science

University of Canberra
February 2015



i

ABSTRACT
Public participation in the process of making laws is an essential element of ―participatory
democracy‖—the right of people to participate in political processes and also to ensure the
effectiveness of local government regulations at the stage of implementation. Public
participation has been conducted effectively in a number of developed countries around the
world. However, it is only at an incipient stage in Vietnam. This research investigates and
evaluates the level and effectiveness of public participation in the process of making laws in
Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, in light of practice and theory in overseas jurisdictions. It also
aims to make recommendations for improvement in Dong Nai Province based on the findings
of the research. In order to carry out these tasks, a combination of documentary and empirical
research will be employed. The documentary research will help to analyse and evaluate case
studies in public participation. The empirical research will entail qualitative and quantitative
methods such as interviews and questionnaires to analyse and evaluate engagement,

satisfaction, and effectiveness of public participation in provincial law-making. The results of
the research reveal that the level and effectiveness of public participation in the process of
making provincial laws in Vietnam is still poor and its approach to public participation in
lawmaking is in danger of becoming perfunctory if it does not start facilitating a positive
cycle toward public participation. The conclusion can also be drawn that if Vietnam learns
from overseas examples to instigate a positive cycle in the process of soliciting public
participation, it has significant potential to employ public participation to genuinely enhance
the quality of local governance and the rule of law, and the effectiveness of local laws.


ii



iv


v

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The milestones in this research have been achieved with intellectual contributions, kind
assistance and magnificent support from a number of persons and institutions. First and
foremost, I must acknowledge my primary supervisor Dr. Trevor Ryan, for his academic
guidance, enthusiasm and invaluable support which has had great significance for my
research. All his support has been useful for me to complete this research on time. I would
like to thank my other supervisors: Dr. Don Fleming and Prof. Lawrence Pratchett, for their
valuable comments and suggestions.
I wish to acknowledge the support of Dong Nai Department of Justice. I am also greatly
grateful to Mr. Phan Van Chau and Dr. Truong Dac Linh, who facilitated and supported my
pursuit of overseas study.

I am thankful to all participants who gave their precious time to complete questionnaires and
responded to my list of questions during interviews. This research would not have been
possible without their assistance and generous time commitment.
I also give special thanks to my colleagues and friends, Pham Nguyen Huy Hoang, To Dinh
Tinh, Do Thi Anh Dao, Nguyen Thi Hong Phuoc who readily provided me with useful
support to complete the research.
I would like to thank Project 165 and the Vietnamese Government, which provided the
financial support for me to complete the research and achieve the degree of Professional
Doctorate in Legal Sciences.
Finally, I cannot find words to express my thanks to my family members. The successful
completion of my study would not have been possible without their support.


vi


vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................ i
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORSHIP OF THESIS .................................................................... iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ....................................................................................................... v
TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................... vii
LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................. xiii
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................. xv
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................ xvii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 1
1.1. The Context for the Research .......................................................................................... 1
1.2. Description of the Research ............................................................................................. 2
1.3. The Research Aims and the Research Questions ............................................................ 5

1.4. Significance of the Research and Argument ................................................................... 6
1.5. The Research Methodology ............................................................................................. 7
1.6. Structure of the Research ................................................................................................. 8
CHAPTER 2: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION... 11
2.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 11
2.2. Part 1: Definition of Public Participation and its Classification .................................... 11
2.2.1. Definition of Public Participation ........................................................................... 11
2.2.2. Forms of Public Participation ................................................................................. 15
2.2.2.1. Information ....................................................................................................... 16
2.2.2.2. Consultation ..................................................................................................... 17
2.2.2.3. Involvement ...................................................................................................... 17
2.2.2.4. Collaboration .................................................................................................... 19
2.2.2.5. Empowerment .................................................................................................. 19
2.2.3. Classification of Public Participation...................................................................... 20
2.2.3.1. Based on Flow of Information ......................................................................... 20
2.2.3.2. Based on Continuum of Participation .............................................................. 23
2.2.3.3. Based on Levels of Empowerment................................................................... 26
2.2.4. Tools of Public Participation .................................................................................. 29
2.2.4.1. Tools for Information ....................................................................................... 31
2.2.4.2. Tools for Consultation ...................................................................................... 32
2.2.4.3. Tools for Interaction ......................................................................................... 33


viii
2.3. Part 2: Avoiding Tokenism in Public Participation ....................................................... 36
2.3.1. Lower Forms of Public Participation ...................................................................... 36
2.3.2. Avoiding Tokenism and Higher Forms of Public Participation ............................. 38
2.4. Chapter Summary .......................................................................................................... 42
CHAPTER 3: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND DEVELOPMENT .............................. 43
3.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 43

3.2. Public Participation and its Role in Development ......................................................... 43
3.3. Public Participation in Local Governance ..................................................................... 47
3.4. Public Participation in Local Law-Making Process ...................................................... 51
3.4.1. Framework for Public Participation in Law-Making .............................................. 51
3.4.2. Public Comment...................................................................................................... 53
3.4.3. Statutory Duties to Present Draft Local Laws for Public Comment ....................... 54
3.5. The Experience of Selected Countries Using Public Participation in the Policy and
Law-Making Process ............................................................................................................ 58
3.5.1. Canada..................................................................................................................... 58
3.5.2. South Africa ............................................................................................................ 65
3.6. Chapter Summary .......................................................................................................... 72
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ................................................................. 73
4.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 73
4.2. Research Methods Approach ......................................................................................... 73
4.2.1. Documentary Research ........................................................................................... 73
4.2.1.1. Documentary Approach ................................................................................... 74
4.2.1.2. Case Study Approach ....................................................................................... 75
4.2.2. Empirical Research - Mixed Methods Research ..................................................... 76
4.2.2.1. Definition of Mixed Methods Research ........................................................... 77
4.2.2.2. Rationale for Choosing Research Design......................................................... 78
4.3. Research Design ............................................................................................................ 81
4.3.1. Research Site and Participants ................................................................................ 81
4.3.1.1. Research Sites .................................................................................................. 81
4.3.1.2. Research Participants ....................................................................................... 81
4.3.1.3. Informed Consent and Confidentiality ............................................................. 85
4.3.2. Data Collection Methods ........................................................................................ 86
4.3.2.1. Questionnaires .................................................................................................. 86


ix

4.3.2.2. Semi-Structured In-Depth Interviews .............................................................. 88
4.3.2.3. Pilot of Data Collection .................................................................................... 92
4.3.3. Data Analysis and Management ............................................................................. 93
4.3.3.1. Data Analysis ................................................................................................... 93
4.3.3.2. Data Management ............................................................................................ 95
4.4. Chapter Summary .......................................................................................................... 96
CHAPTER 5: THE LAW AND PRACTICE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION IN THE
PROCESS OF MAKING PROVINCIAL LAWS IN DONG NAI PROVINCE ............. 97
5.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 97
5.2. The National Regulations on Public Consultation ........................................................ 98
5.3. The Regulations on Public Consultation in Dong Nai Province ................................. 104
5.4. The Actual Implementation of Public Consultation .................................................... 106
5.5. The Forms of Obtaining Comment on Draft Laws...................................................... 109
5.6. Case Studies of Public Consultation in Dong Nai ....................................................... 114
5.6.1. Case 1: Lack of Public Consultation ..................................................................... 114
5.6.2. Case 2: Deploying Conscientiously Public Consultation ..................................... 117
5.7. Chapter Summary ........................................................................................................ 121
CHAPTER 6: RESEARCH FINDINGS ............................................................................ 123
6.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 123
6.2. Results from Residents ................................................................................................ 123
6.2.1. Participating Residents‘ Information .................................................................... 123
6.2.2. Results from Residents‘ Questionnaires ............................................................... 126
6.2.2.1. The Experience of the Residents .................................................................... 126
6.2.2.2. Modes and Levels of Public Participation...................................................... 126
6.2.2.3. The Residents‘ Evaluations of the Actual Public Participation ..................... 130
6.2.2.4. The Factors Can Impact on the Effectiveness of Public Participation ........... 132
6.2.2.5. Residents‘ Awareness of the Benefits of Public Participation ....................... 134
6.2.3. Results from Residents‘ Interviews ...................................................................... 138
6.2.3.1. The Importance of Public Participation in Making Provincial Laws ............. 138
6.2.3.2. Public Participation Can Contribute to the Effectiveness and Feasibility of

Laws ............................................................................................................................ 139
6.2.3.3. Residents‘ Satisfaction with the Current Mechanisms of Public Participation
for Making Provincial Laws ........................................................................................ 141


x
6.2.3.4. The Factors Help to Ensure the Effectiveness of Public Participation in the
Process of Making Laws ............................................................................................. 142
6.2.3.5. If Facilitated, the Public Will Have More Contribution to Effectiveness and
Feasibility of Laws ...................................................................................................... 144
6.2.3.6. Modes of Public Participation Which Are Appropriate and Useful for Peoples
to Participate Effectively in the Process of Making Laws .......................................... 145
6.2.3.7. The Cases in Which Public Participation Was Ineffective ............................ 147
6.2.3.8. Some Suggestion or Recommendation about the Issue of Public Participation
in Making Provincial Laws in Dong Nai .................................................................... 147
6.3. Results from Officials .................................................................................................. 150
6.3.1. Participating Officials‘ Information ...................................................................... 150
6.3.2. Results from Officials‘ Questionnaires ................................................................. 150
6.3.2.1. Modes and Levels of Public Participation...................................................... 150
6.3.2.2. The General Evaluation of Public Participation ............................................. 154
6.3.2.3. Assessing the Impacts of Public Participation ............................................... 155
6.3.2.4. The Factors Can Impact on the Effectiveness of Public Participation ........... 156
6.3.2.5. The Current Quantity and Quality of Public Participation ............................. 158
6.3.2.6. The Officials‘ Awareness of the Benefits of Public Participation ................. 159
6.3.3. Results from Officials‘ Interviews ........................................................................ 163
6.3.3.1 The Importance of Public Participation in the Making Provincial Laws ........ 163
6.3.3.2. The Factors Help to Ensure the Effectiveness of Public Participation in the
Process of Making Laws ............................................................................................. 164
6.3.3.3. The Contribution of Public Participation to the Process of Making Provincial
Laws ............................................................................................................................ 166

6.3.3.4. The Residents‘ Satisfaction with the Current Mechanisms of Public
Participation for Making Provincial Laws .................................................................. 168
6.3.3.5. If Given the Opportunity, the Public Will Participate More Than They Are
Currently Participating ................................................................................................ 169
6.3.3.6. Modes of Public Participation Which Are Appropriate and Useful for Peoples
to Participate Effectively in the Process of Making Laws .......................................... 171
6.3.3.7. The Cases in Which Public Participation Has Had Positive Effects on Laws 173
6.3.3.8. The Cases in Which Public Participation Was Ineffective ............................ 176
6.3.3.9. Some Further Suggestions or Observations Regarding Public Involvement in
Making Provincial Laws ............................................................................................. 177
6.4. Chapter Summary ........................................................................................................ 180


xi
CHAPTER 7: ANALYSIS ................................................................................................... 181
7.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 181
7.2. What Are the Modes and Levels of Public Participation in the Process of Making
Provincial Laws in Vietnam? ............................................................................................. 181
7.3. What Factors Have an Impact on Public Participation in the Process of Making
Provincial Laws in Vietnam? ............................................................................................. 186
7.4. How Effective and Satisfactory Do Local Communities and Lawmakers Find Public
Participation Mechanisms for Making Provincial Laws in Vietnam? ................................ 188
7.5. What Lessons Can Vietnamese Local Governments Learn from the Practice and
Theory of Overseas Jurisdictions to Improve Community Satisfaction and Effectiveness of
Public Participation in the Process of Making Provincial Laws in Vietnam? .................... 190
7.6. What Role Might Public Participation Mechanisms for Making Provincial Laws Assist
Vietnam‘s Transition to a ‗Rule of Law‘ Society? ............................................................. 195
7.7. Chapter Summary ........................................................................................................ 200
CHAPTER 8: CONCLUSION ............................................................................................ 203
8.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 203

8.2. Research Questions and Research Design ................................................................... 203
8.3. Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 204
BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................ 211
APPENDIXES ...................................................................................................................... 235


xii


xiii

LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1 - Tools for Information ............................................................................................ 31
Table 2.2 - Tools for Consultation........................................................................................... 32
Table 2.3 - Tools for Interaction .............................................................................................. 34
Table 5.1 - Structure of legal normative documents of Vietnam .......................................... 100
Table 6.1 - The residents‘ experience of public participation ............................................... 126
Table 6.2 - Informed about new regulations of provincial laws or draft of provincial laws
according to TRA ................................................................................................................... 127
Table 6.3 - Levels of public participation according to according to TRA ........................... 129
Table 6.4 - Satisfaction with participation in the process of making provincial laws according
to TRA .................................................................................................................................... 130
Table 6.5 - Public involvement influence on substance of laws according to TRA.............. 131
Table 6.6 - Public involvement influence on form of laws according to TRA ..................... 131
Table 6.7 - Public participation to promote accountability, transparency and democracy
according to TRA ................................................................................................................... 135
Table 6.8 - Public participation to achieve acceptance and consensus among the people
according to TRA ................................................................................................................... 135
Table 6.9 - Public participation to ensure the feasibility of laws according to TRA ............ 136
Table 6.10 - Understanding the role and benefits of public participation according to TRA 137

Table 6.11 - Informed about new regulations of provincial laws or draft of provincial laws
according to TOA ................................................................................................................... 150
Table 6.12 - Levels of public participation according to TOA ............................................. 153
Table 6.13 - Community satisfaction with participation in the process of making provincial
laws according to TOA .......................................................................................................... 154
Table 6.14 - Public involvement influences the substance according to TOA ...................... 155
Table 6.15 - Public involvement influences the form according to TOA ............................. 155
Table 6.16 - Positive effect of public involvement according to TOA ................................. 156
Table 6.17- Measuring the current quantity of public participation according to TOA ........ 158
Table 6.18 - Measuring the current quality of public participation according to TOA ......... 158
Table 6.19 - Public participation to promote accountability, transparency and democracy
according to TOA ................................................................................................................... 160
Table 6.20 - Public participation to achieve acceptance and consensus among the people
according to TOA ................................................................................................................... 161
Table 6.21 - Public participation to ensure the feasibility of laws according to TOA .......... 162


xiv


xv

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2.1 - Flows of information between participants and sponsors ................................... 20
Figure 2.2 - Three ways of information flows in public participation .................................... 21
Figure 2.3 - Types of flows of information in public participation ......................................... 22
Figure. 2.4 - Continuum of participation of Creighton ........................................................... 24
Figure. 2.5 - Public participation continuum of Smith ............................................................ 25
Figure. 2.6 - Five types of public participation of Bishop and Davis ..................................... 25
Figure. 2.7 - Ladder of participation ....................................................................................... 26

Figure. 2.8 - A ladder of citizen empowerment ...................................................................... 27
Figure 3.1 - Causal link block in local governance ................................................................. 50
Figure 4.1 - Concurrent Triangulation Model ......................................................................... 80
Figure 6.1 - The residents‘ social information ...................................................................... 124
Figure 6.2 - System of communication in the locality .......................................................... 125
Figure 6.3 - The modes are used to inform the public according to TRA ............................. 127
Figure 6.4 - The modes used in the process of making provincial laws according to TRA . 128
Figure 6.5 - Measuring the public participation according to TRA ...................................... 130
Figure 6.6 - Factors can obstruct public participation according to TRA ............................. 132
Figure 6.7 - Factors that may help to increase the quantity and quality of public participation
according to TRA ................................................................................................................... 133
Figure 6.8 - The main benefits of public participation according to TRA ............................ 134
Figure 6.9 - The benefits of public participation in the making and implementation of laws
according to TRA ................................................................................................................... 136
Figure 6.10 - The modes are used to inform the public according to TOA .......................... 151
Figure 6.11 - The modes used in the process of making provincial laws according to TOA 152
Figure 6.12 - Measuring the public participation according to TOA .................................... 154
Figure 6.13 - Factors obstruct public participation according to TOA ................................. 156
Figure 6.14 - Factors help to increase the quantity and quality of public participation
according to TOA ................................................................................................................... 157
Figure 6.15 - Modes that can help to improve the quantity and quality of public participation
according to TOA ................................................................................................................... 159
Figure 6.16 - The results of public participation according to TOA ..................................... 159
Figure 6.17 - The main benefits of public participation according to TOA .......................... 160
Figure 6.18 - The benefits of public participation in the making and implementation of laws
according to TOA ................................................................................................................... 162


xvi

xvii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
TOA

The officials‘ assessment

TRA

The residents‘ assessment

O

Official

R

Resident



1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1. The Context for the Research
Public participation in the process of policy decision making in general and in the process of
making laws of local governments in particular is not a new issue. It has been mentioned in
the process of making regulations in the USA1 at least since the 1960s. Nowadays, public
participation has become an international movement and receives much interest in developed

countries and some developing countries in the world when they wish to make policies or
draft laws. In this context, Vietnam is on the path to transition from a socialist economy to a
hybrid market economy pursuant to the ‗Doi Moi‘ reforms alongside an international trend
toward public participation in administration. Therefore, when implementing a series of
reforms in such areas as administrative management, law-making, the judiciary and the
economy, Vietnamese authorities often encourage implementing ‗public participation‘
according to Vietnamese Communist Party‘s policy of ―the people know, people discuss,
people execute and people supervise‖. This explains why the Constitution and local
government laws have regulated in detail the issue of public participation in the process of
making law.
Nevertheless, the actual implementation of regulations related to public participation in
Vietnam remains a problem. Lawmakers have not yet recognized fully the significance and
role of public involvement in the process of making law, especially making provincial laws.2
This has an impact on the effectiveness of provincial laws when implemented in practice. It
also reflects another problem that Vietnamese local governments have not yet executed
conscientiously the right to public participation in political affairs according to Article 21 (1)
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: ‗Everyone has the right to take part in the
government of his country‘.
Consistent with global trends, Vietnam is also attempting to build gradually a ―Rule of Law‖
society. Therefore, the recognition on the part of the State‘s responsibility of the role and
significance of public participation in the management of government in general and in

1

S. Shapiro, 'Does the Amount of Participation Matter? Public Comments, Agency Responses and the Time to Finalize a
Regulation' (2008) 41(1) Policy Sciences 33, 34-35.
2

Truong Thi Hien, ‗Implement Conscientiously the Regulations of Consultation with People on Legal Documents‘ (21 May
2010) Dak Lak Online [44-64] < -viec-to-chuc-lay-y-kien-cuanguoi-dan-doi-voi-van-ban-quy-pham-phap-luat-1942990/>.

2
making provincial laws of local government in particular is very significant. It not only helps
enhance the effectiveness of provincial laws but also contributes as an element of the process
of Vietnamese law reform generally.
Vietnam in transition demonstrates partial progress in developing a rule of law concept that is
responsive to local needs through encouraging public participation in the drafting of laws.
Therefore, in an attempt to determine whether the element of public participation has impacts
on the effectiveness of laws or not, and how participation impacts on laws when implemented
in practice, this research will assess the role and significance of public participation in the
process of making provincial laws in Vietnam. The findings of this research will lead to some
suggestions for solutions to improve the public participation process; and enhance the
effectiveness and feasibility of provincial laws and gradually improve the quality of local
governance in Vietnam.

1.2. Description of the Research
This research introduces and discusses a range of theories, articles and regulations relating to
public participation to elucidate its role, significance and benefits in making policies and
laws. This is not only an international movement, but also the right of citizen that authorities
should ensure according to the provisions of the Article 25 of International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights: ‗Every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity to take part in the
conduct of public affairs‘.3 This is a right to be respected by legislators in the law-making
process in order that citizens can enjoy their rights and know that their opinions are valued.4
However, this research does not intend to focus on human rights per se; it merely wishes to
demonstrate the value of participatory democracy and its effectiveness in law-making and
thereby its contribution to development.
Describing, reviewing, and discussing various definitions, forms and tools of public
participation as well as benefits and roles of public participation helps the author to
understand the value and significance of public participation. The research then explores the

actual situation of public involvement in the process of making provincial laws in Vietnam,
specifically the process of making the provincial laws of Dong Nai Province. To do this, the

3

Human Rights Committee, General Comment, No. 25: The right to participate in public affairs, voting rights and the right
of equal access to public service (Art.25), 57th sess, UN Doc CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.7 (12 July 1996).
4

K. Czapanskiy and R. Manjoo, 'The Right of Public Participation in the Law-Making Process and the Role of the
Legislature in the Promotion of this Right' (2009) 19(1) Duke Journal of Comparative & International Law 2008, 7.


3
investigation is conducted by questionnaires and interviews with residents5 and officials6 to
understand the reality of people‘s involvement in the process of making provincial laws in
Dong Nai Province in addition to learn the opportunities and the ways which local people7
can give their feedback, opinion or comment on the draft provincial laws, and their
perceptions of the effectiveness and fairness of participation.
This research does not make this simplistic assumption that the models for public
participation that have been successful in developed liberal democracies will translate directly
to the Vietnamese context. Indeed, some authors believe that Vietnam's socialist legacy by
definition prevents any genuine civil society space from emerging in Vietnam, thus
undermining the assumption of public participation models of a democratic, independent
sector in which genuine public participation may take place.8 Others see great potential in a
growing civil society space,9 which is the position taken in this research. Nor is this research
merely a report card of the Vietnamese experience using standards drawn from developed
liberal democracies. Despite the ultimate conclusion that Vietnamese efforts to implement
public participation score poorly on scales developed by theorists writing mainly with regard
to developed countries, the intention here is to indicate room for improvement rather than

provide grounds for indictment. It is true that these scales were designed with fully fledged
liberal democracies in mind. However, in a technical sense the scales can be regarded as
providing objective descriptions of instrumentalities of public participation. As such, they can
be applied, with the necessary caveats, to the Vietnamese context. While certainly not
avoiding the deeper theoretical questions surrounding the use and significance of these
scales—such as how public participation contributes to a more democratic, transparent society
ruled by law—this research seeks to balance such theoretical questions with the pragmatic
concerns suited to a professional doctorate, namely how to achieve greater effectiveness,
efficiency, and satisfaction in public participation instrumentalities in the drafting of laws at a
local government level in Vietnam.

5

In this research, the word ‗Residents‘ refers to persons who are citizens who live in Dong Nai province and took part in the
empirical research (questionnaire and interview) as participants.
6

In this research, the word ‗Officials‘ refers to persons who are governmental officials or staff of agencies of Dong Nai
Government and took part in the empirical research (questionnaire and interview) as participants.
7

In this research, the phrase ‗the People‘ is used as ‗citizens‘ in general. However, in Chapter 5, 6 and 7, when presenting,
explaining and discussing results of the research the phrase ‗the People‘ refers to citizens who live in Dong Nai province and
in some contexts it also refers to all Vietnamese people.
8

John Gillespie, ‗Localizing Global Rules: Public Participation in Lawmaking in Vietnam‘ (2008) 33(3) Law & Social
Inquiry 673, 681.
9

Ibid, 681.


4
Accordingly, the results of this investigation can help to (1) identify the level and modes of
public participation as well as factors that can influence people‘s participation in making
provincial laws and (2) assess the contribution of public participation is making to provincial
laws. When recognizing fully the benefits and significances of public involvement and
identifying the factors affecting in public participation, some suggestions or resolutions are
drawn to apply and improve the quality of public participation in processes of making
provincial laws in Dong Nai Province. Thereby, this research may contribute to enhance the
effectiveness and feasibility of provincial laws and create greater effectiveness in local
governance. Furthermore, the research can help deepen understanding of the role and benefits
of public participation in making laws of provincial governments, and Vietnam‘s transition to
a ‗Rule of Law‘ society as well, as long as this concept is also contextualised to the
Vietnamese context.


5

1.3. The Research Aims and the Research Questions
The primary aims of this research are to:
 Understand the role and significance of public participation in the process of making
provincial laws in Vietnam.
 Recommend some solutions to improve the effectiveness* and feasibility of
provincial laws in Vietnam.
The secondary aims of this research are to:
 Identify levels and modes of public participation in the process of making provincial
laws in Vietnam.
 Assess the influence of public participation on the effectiveness of provincial laws

when implemented in practice.
 Assess the influence of public participation on satisfaction levels of provincial laws
when implemented in practice.
 Find out possible lessons Vietnamese local governments can learn from the
experiences of other countries.
With these aims, the research seeks answers for following five research questions:
1. What are the modalities and levels of public participation in the process of making
provincial laws in Vietnam?
2. What factors have an impact on public participation in the process of making provincial
laws in Vietnam?
3. How effective* and satisfactory do local communities and lawmakers find public
participation mechanisms for making provincial laws in Vietnam?
4. What lessons can Vietnamese local governments learn from the practice and theory of
overseas jurisdictions to improve community satisfaction and effectiveness of public
participation in the process of making provincial laws in Vietnam?
5. What role might public participation mechanisms for making provincial laws assist
Vietnam‘s transition to a ‗Rule of Law‘ society?
*With regard to terminology, this thesis employs the term ‗effective‘ in a number of ways,
including success in achieving the purpose of the law (‗effectiveness of laws‘) and quality of
process and reflection of participation in the outcome (‗effectiveness of participation‘). The
different usages will be explained where it is not clear from the context.