Good governance is an indeterminate term used in development literature to describe how public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources in order to guarantee the realization of human rights.
Governance’ is the exercise of power or authority – political, economic, administrative or otherwise – to manage a country's resources and affairs. It comprises the mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences. ‘Good governance’ means competent management of a country’s resources and affairs in a manner that is open, transparent, accountable, equitable and responsive to people’s needs. Key elements of good governance political principles and economic principles
POLITICAL PRINCIPLES
Good governance is based on the establishment of a representative and accountable form of government. Good governance requires a strong and pluralistic civil society, where there is freedom of expression and association. Good governance requires good institutions – sets of rules governing the actions of individuals and organizations and the negotiation of differences between them. Good governance requires the primacy of the rule of law, maintained through an impartial and effective legal system. Good governance requires a high degree of transparency and accountability in public and corporate processes. A participatory approach to service delivery is important for public services to be effective.
ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES
Good governance requires policies to promote broad-based economic growth, a dynamic private sector and social policies that will lead to poverty reduction. Economic growth is best achieved in an efficient, open, market based economy. Investment in people is a high priority, through policies and institutions that improve access to quality education, health and other services that underpin a country’s human resource base. Effective institutions and good corporate governance are needed to support the development of a competitive private sector. In particular, for markets to function, social norms are needed that respect contract and property rights. Careful management of the national economy is vital in order to maximize
economic and social advancement. In conclusion good governance has 8 major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable (Original people of StMaarten) in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society. Yours truly
Miguel Arrindell
