Decentralization
There has been a lot of debate about different forms of decentralization and their implications for developing countries. Particularly in unitary states, decentralization is considered as a key element of governance. The organs of unitary states are governed constitutionally as one single unit, with one constitutionally created legislature. While political power of government in such states may be transferred to regional or locally elected assemblies, the central government retains the right to control and abolish the delegated power.
Historically, most developing countries were unitary states and had a highly centralized system of governance. Two factors were vital for the push behind adopting decentralization policies. First, it was realized that decentralization improves governmental performance. Transferring state responsibilities to lower level government authorities in geographically dispersed locations can improve service delivery and facilitate more prompt response to local needs. This form of decentralization is known as de-concentration.
The second major impetus behind decentralization is political. More specifically, it was recognized that socio-economic progress requires active participation of people in the decision-making processes-- decisions that affect them directly. This decentralization of power often takes the form of devolution. Devolution is the transfer of resources, tasks, and decision-making to lower level authorities which are democratically elected and are largely independent of the central government.
Even when there is a democratic system at the centre, many regimes have used decentralization to increase their power base in rural areas. In this case, decentralization policy was geared towards creating a vote bank. Therefore, the form decentralization takes is highly dependent on the central political structure. When the democratic structures at the national level are weak, it is unlikely that a truly democratic system will emerge at the local level. In other words, a functional democratic system at the central level is a pre-condition for democratic governance at the local level.
Finally, the political and administrative dimensions of decentralization are not always happy bedfellows. Often, bureaucrats tend to dominate the local councils while elected representatives have to comply with bureaucratic decisions. On the other hand, partisan politics impede smooth functioning of field administration.
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