Portugal

Parishes:

The parish assembly (assembleia de freguesia) is the deliberative body of the parish and is composed of councillors elected by direct universal suffrage for a four-year period via a system of proportional representation.

Municipalities:

The municipal assembly (assembleia municipal) is made up of the presidents of the municipality’s parishes and of members elected by direct universal suffrage for a four-year term. It is the municipality’s deliberative body and monitors the activities of the executive council.

Parishes:

The executive committee (junta de freguesia) is the parish’s executive body and members are elected for a period of four years by and from among the parish assembly’s members. The executive committee is responsible for preparing and implementing parish assembly decisions.

Municipalities:

The executive council (câmara municipal) is the municipality’s executive branch and is composed of members elected by direct universal suffrage for a four-year period. Its members can also take part in the municipal assembly; however, they cannot vote. The executive council organises and implements municipal services, such as municipal planning and public works.

Parishes:

The president (presidente da junta de freguesia) is elected for a four-year mandate based on he/she  being the head of the list that receives the most votes. The president chairs the executive committee.

Municipalities:

The mayor (presidente da câmara municipal) is elected for a four-year mandate and as the electoral candidate at the head of the list that receives the most votes during the election of the executive council. He/she presides over the work of the executive council.

Other Portuguese local self-government units exist alongside the municipalities and parishes, including authorities such as inter-municipal communities, associations of municipalities and metropolitan areas.

A primary aimthese authorities is to coordinate the municipal investments of inter-municipal interests. Otherareas of competence  include strategic, economic, social and territorial management.

Competences:
 

The legislative assembly (assembleia legislativa) is composed of members elected by direct universal suffrage.

The president (president do governo regional) presides over the regional government for a period of four years.