‘Are you not afraid to walk at this time in the dark, ‘the woman responded asking if Omar the caliph is dead or if he was the one daring to question a stranger woman at this hour of the night’ ’It was just a glimpse of Umer’s reign where governance reached the highest standards.
Good governance is the process of measuring public institutions conducts public affairs and manage public resources and guarantee their realization of human rights in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption and whether regards of law. Governance is the process of decision making and the process by which decisions are implemented or not implemented. Governance in this context can apply to corporate international national or local governance as well as of society. Good governance is essential in any situation, it is on a small or in a big setup, it is essential for smooth functioning of society organizations and the likes. It involves principles such as transparency, accountability, adherence to the rule of law, and inclusivity ensuring decisions are made responsible and for the benefit of the people. Good governance supports economic growth social unity and political stability it strengthen institutions build public confidence and promote sustainable development at a national level internationally encourages collaboration foster peace and advanced global equity the value of effective governance lies in its ability to achieve both immediate objectives and long term resilience and prosperity within the communities Omar Ibne AL kitab rule is celebrated for its wonderful governance often considered the golden age of Islam, his leadership embodied principles of fairness equality and responsibility under his administration. A welfare system was established to ensure equitable distribution of public wealth and resources promoting social justice and combating poverty with excellent administration skills, administrative reforms include the offer the appointment of qualified judges and governors based on merit rather than nepotism and those judges have decided social issues and cases purely on justice perfect peace injustice prevailed in that era Omer.
Characteristics of good governance.
Good Governance is characterized by several important principles that ensure effective and equitable management within a society.
- Transparency: decision making processes are open and clear allowing stakeholders to understand and follow their actions in power this led towards trust.
- Accountability: is the second characteristic of good governance leaders and public officials are held responsible for their actions and decisions a mechanism developed in the best public interest in this system.
- Participation: citizens are given opportunities to engage in decision making processes either directly or through representatives ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered, and that governance is responsive to public needs.
- Responsiveness: institutions and processes aim to serve all stakeholders in a timely manner addressing their needs and concerns effectively.
- Equity and inclusiveness: all members of society, especially the vulnerable, have opportunity to opportunities to improve or maintain their well-being ensuring that no one is marginalized and or excluded from the benefits of developments.
- Effectiveness and efficiency: resources are used wisely to achieve results that means societies need this involves sound management of resources both human and financial to achieve the best outcomes.
7. Consensus oriented: good governance mediates differing mediate differing interest to reach broad consensus on what is in the community’s best interest and how this can be achieved by adhering to these principles.
A governance system can promote social, economic, and political stability. It supports sustainable development and enhances the quality of life for all the citizens. Rule of true democracy is an excellent example of Good Governance.
Bad governance: refers to the mismanagement and inefficient administration of a country’s resources and affairs which leads to widespread corruption, lack of transparency and accountability. It manifests through several key indicators such as poor public service economic instability human rights violation and the absence of the rule of law and environments plagued by bad governance public officials often prioritize personal gains over the welfare of the citizens resulting in the misuse of public funds and resources this mismanagement creates a cycle of poverty and inequality is essential service like education healthcare and infrastructure deteriorate citizens trust in government errors leading to social unrest and political instability moreover bad governance hampers economic development by creating an unfavorable business environment where bureaucratic red tape corruption and inconsistent policies deter both local and foreign investment ultimately bad governance undermines democratic institutions and processes stifling political and economic freedoms it impedes sustainable development in and exaggerate social divisions making it difficult for a country to achieve long term prosperity and stability addressing bad governance require comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing transparency accountability public participation in decision making process. Underdeveloped countries are the prominent examples of bad governance, where political institutions lack good decision making, least bothered about public interests and frequently violate rule of laws in their personal interests and oversight the basic needs of the community.
Hemayle Afridi
Student of Ms peace and Conflict Studies at NUST
From Khyber district