THE ROLE OF DIGITAL SOLUTIONS ENHANCING PUBLICPARTICIPATION IN AMALGAMATED COMMUNITIES OF THE REPUBLICOF ARMENIA

Attempts to promote residents' participation in decision-making processes in local selfgovernment bodies of the Republic of Armenia have not yet yielded the best results. The low participation rate by governing bodies is characterized as a consequence of civic inaction, despite which residents note weak institutional opportunities for participation and the rupture of the local government-resident connection. After the amalgamation of communities, community websites, and social network pages are the tools that ensure residents' involvement. The results of the surveys conducted within the framework of the research show that residents expect new tools and structures that will make the residentmunicipality connection closer. The article addresses the obstacles to the population's participation in the decision-making process in local self-government bodies of the Republic of Armenia. It conducts a comparative analysis of international experience, local legislative framework, and existing systems. The creation of a single community mobile application for all communities in the context of the digitalization of local selfgovernment is emphasized. Through a single platform, it is proposed that the accessibility and quality of services provided to residents be fully manageable and that effective management be implemented through local government-resident cooperation.