GOOD GOVERNANCE

PRINCIPLES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE
The quest for good governance is not just for the beauty of it. The ultimate objective and indeed proof of good governance is the sustainable political, social, economic and cultural well being of a people. Therefore the point of departure for improving governance in any country is the analysis and appreciation of the situation not only in terms of political, administrative and systematic governance but also in terms of the economic and social well being of the people.
What is governance then? As a process in which collective power is utilised for the realisation of common objectives, governance involves actions and interaction of individuals and groups of individuals in diverse and dynamic ways, and institutions that are continuously changing.
Good Governance is informed by five principles:
Transparency in all areas of public domain
Efficiency in the running of public institutions and Effectiveness in the delivery of services,
Accountability,
Legitimacy and
Predictability.
Good governance takes place when the process is conducted within the framework of a written constitution, constitutionalism, the separation of powers and the rule of law, and ethical codes of conduct and traditions of the people; when it responds to the basic needs, wishes and aspirations of the people; when it is based on sound, efficient organisational and operational principles; and when the entire process is transparent and accountable, whose consequences are understood and predictable. Leadership, competence, political will, integrity and capacity are critical to the promotion of good governance. The following are generally considered to be the principles constituting good governance:
· Constitutionalism: guaranteeing separation of powers, checks and balances, power sharing and sustained respect for and reference to the constitution in all aspects of governance.
· Separation of Powers: the principle of separation of powers insists that no one person or an organ of state should at any one time be in control or have influence over the operation of three organs of government, namely the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.
· Rule of Law: the rule of compels government and those in charge of governance processes to conduct their activities and behave in accordance with the known and established legal principles and norms. Government powers should be defined by law and be subject to legal control. If challenged government should be able to identify the legal source of its powers, which, furthermore must be such that they exist to protect, guide and provide adequate safeguards against the abuse of power for all the people in society.
· Justice: an effective system of dispensing justice which is fair and accessible to all.
· Electoral and participatory democracy for people to take part in making the decisions that concern their lives and livelihoods, via effective and efficient electoral systems and behaviour, decentralised structures and political, managerial and economic decision making, and a vibrant civil society that ensure sustainable legitimacy for the government.
· Peace and security of person and property.
· Respect, protection and promotion of human rights and basic freedoms by all.
· A reconciled, peaceful and harmonious society.
· Political, managerial and financial accountability and transparency.
· Equity, both intra and inter-generational, including gender balancing and responsiveness, environment as well as external debt management.
· Informed citizenry, through an effective free and responsible media, public access to information, and accessible education for all.
· Effective and efficient delivery of public services, via competent, effective, efficient and accountable public service and other systems for services delivery.
· At least a minimum standard for every one.
· Exemplary, visionary and inspirational leadership that exhibits sustained political will.
· Positive agreed societal values.
· Professional, positive moral and ethical standards.
· Love for one’s country (not xenophobia or fanatical nationalism).