The organs of the commune, the smallest local government unit, are the popularly elected communal council, the communal committee, or executive body, and the mayor, directly elected by the people. The communes have the power to levy and collect limited local taxes, and they have their own police, although their powers are much inferior to those exercised by the national police. The communes issue ordinances and run certain public health services, and they are responsible for some public services.
Regions have some control over the activity of the communes.