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This publication provides an overview of the current work of commune councils in Cambodia and concrete examples of how development agencies are helping to build council capacity and awareness. It begins with an overview of the role and status of commune councils in Cambodia. It then examines the relationships between commune councils and civil society at the local level. This includes important council activities, such as development initiatives and mediation, followed by a review of governance principles, such as political pluralism and impartiality, accountability and transparency. As one of the main challenges to decentralization lies with council leadership and initiative, a special section on management and leadership qualities is included. The publication also contains a summary of current partnership strategies for supporting the communes. The final section presents a short analysis of civil society/commune council partnerships along with recommendations.