Download Political Governance - Public Sector Management

Political Governance
Cedric Saldanha
Pacific 2020
Need for Good Political Governance

Pacific countries have to cope with enormous
inherent constraints –
–
–
–
–

small populations
great distances from markets
susceptibility to the vagaries of nature
scarce natural resources for some countries
Pacific countries therefore need strong and
accountable political governance
– to steer through these substantial constraints
Good Political Governance

Responsible management of the state
–
–
–
–
–

predictable policy regimes,
responsible fiscal management,
efficient delivery of essential services,
maintenance of law and justice,
sustainable custodianship of the country’s natural resources.
Responsiveness and accountability to the people
– fair and transparent electoral systems,
– systems of political and public accountability, and
– well functioning oversight bodies.

Engendering a sense of nationhood
– particularly important in Pacific countries that are young
nations and, in some cases, an amalgam of disparate tribal and
ethnic groups.
Manifestations of Poor Political
Governance

Political Instability

Weak Parliaments

Corruption

Weak Executive Governments

Failure of Institutions of Good Governance
Some Key Causes of Poor
Governance

Socio cultural traditions
– Democracy does not have a long history in the Pacific

Weak Nationalism
– tribal groups, distinct languages, culture and traditions

Complex governance structures
– often beyond capacities of current governments


Incentives and sanctions for effective leadership are
often missing
Civil Society unable to hold leaders accountable
– Traditions of not questioning authority

Inadequate presence of Women – and their potentially
beneficial influences in key processes of government
Need to take account of
Three Key Trends

Pressures for Devolution and Autonomy

Civil Society Activism

Regional and International Expectations
Strategies to Support
Good Governance

Each country must work out its own
strategies.
– Governance is deeply interwoven with local,
cultural context.

Need to strengthen the ‘supply side’ of
governance
– what government can do

More importantly, need to catalyse stronger
demand for good political governance
– what key stakeholders can do
Strengthening the Supply Side of
Good Political Governance
 Strong Parliaments and Oversight Bodies



Sound electoral processes and well functioning parliament
Seats for Women
Effective (well supported) Oversight Bodies
 Effective executive government and public service




Transparent policy and decision making
Meritocracy in public service
Professional fiscal and financial management
Results-based management for services and regulation
 Increased local government’s integration with customary or
traditional community leaders



Justice systems
Government/community collaboration in community services
Community consultation
 Promoting the Role of Women and a Sense of Nationhood



Affirmative action for women in parliament and the executive
Equitable inter-governmental financing system
Civic education
Strengthening the Demand Side of
Good Political Governance
 Support Civil Society Organizations in their efforts to
hold government accountable

Services ‘report card’ initiatives
 Encourage debate in Academia and Press
 Responsible Chamber of Commerce engagement
with government
 Support Role of Women
 Promote a Sense of Nationhood