Authority of commune-level governments to sanction administrative violations in the land sector: Current status and recommendations

The two-tier local government model has substantially expanded the authority of chairpersons of commune-level People’s Committees to sanction administrative violations in the land sector. This study clarifies the theoretical foundations, development, and significance of the new legal provisions. It also identifies gaps concerning power control, coordination procedures, evidentiary standards, enforcement of remedial measures, and commune-level implementation capacity. Although expanded authority enables violations to be detected and handled more promptly at the local level, complex cases involving land boundaries, land categories, violation areas, and restoration measures may exceed existing professional and technical capacities. The study recommends standardized evidence requirements, mandatory coordination for complex cases, enhanced legal and technical training, stronger supervision, improved digital land data, and clearer procedures for enforcing remedial measures.