Elements. Good governance comprises the existence of
effective mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and
groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their
obligations and mediate their differences. Its essential characteristics are:
(a) Participation. All men and women should have a
voice in decision-making, either directly or through legitimate intermediate
institutions that represent their interests. Such broad participation is built
on freedom of association and speech, as well as on the capacity to participate
constructively.
(b) Rule of law. Legal frameworks should be fair and
enforced impartially, particularly the laws on human rights.
(c) Transparency. This concept is built on the free
flow of information. Processes, institutions and information should be directly
accessible to those concerned, and enough information should be provided to
render them understandable and monitorable.
(d) Responsiveness. Institutions and processes should
serve all stakeholders.
(e) Consensus orientation. Good governance should
mediate differing interests in order to reach broad consensus on the best
interests of the group and, where possible, on policies and procedures.
(f) Equity. All men and women should have equal
opportunity to maintain or improve their well-being.
(g) Effectiveness and efficiency. Processes and
institutions should produce results that meet needs while making the best use
of resources.
(h) Accountability. Decision-makers in government, the
private sector and civil-society organizations should be accountable to the
public as well as to institutional stakeholders. This accountability differs
depending on the organization and whether the decision is internal or external
to an organization.
(i) Strategic vision. Leaders and the public should
have a broad and long-term perspective on good governance and human
development, together with a sense of what is needed for such development.
There should also be an understanding of the historical, cultural and social
complexities in which that perspective is grounded.
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