Good governance follow rules

IT is both interesting and frightening to hear and read what is transpiring in our country concerning pressing social and political issues.
I am neither for the Government nor the Opposition.
The concept of “governance” is not new.
It is as old as civilisation.
Simply put, governance means the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented.
It can be used in several contexts such as corporate governance, international governance, national governance or local governance.
Good governance has eight major characteristics:
Follows the rule of law – Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially. It also protects human rights, particularly those of minorities.
Impartial enforcement of laws requires an independent judiciary and an incorruptible police force.
The Constitution is upheld at all times as the supreme law of the nation.
Is participatory – Participation by both men and women is a key cornerstone, either directly or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives.
Is transparent – Decisions are taken and enforced in a manner that follows rules and regulations.
It also means that information is freely available and directly accessible for those who will be affected by such decisions in easily understood forms and media.
Is responsive – Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe.
Is consensus-orientated – Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus on what is the best interests of the whole community and how this can be achieved.
Is equitable and inclusive – A society’s wellbeing depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake and not feel excluded from mainstream society.
Is effective and efficient – Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of the society while making the best use of the resources at their disposal.
Is accountable – Accountability is a key aspect of good governance.
It cannot be enforced without transparency and the rule of law.
The challenge is very simple; are our MPs following the eight major characteristics of good governance?
According to the greatest Western philosopher Plato in his book The Republic, he tries to explain the “just state” or good governance by saying, “Harmony emerges when various composite parts of a unit performs their functions without interfering with the functions of other parts”.

Eric Mumson Piuk
Gerehu Stage 5
Port Moresby
NCD