This research report consists of three studies: Per Tidemand's Ugandan study concentrates on the politics of the new representative local state institutions which emerged in 1986. Andrew Kiondo's Tanzania study focuses on the myriad of local-level non-state institutions which have emerged there in recent years. Karuti Kanyinga examines the phenomenen of local-level competitive party politic in Kenya. His essay also analyses the interactions between local-level and national party politics.