Good governance is essential for achieving development objectives, as these goals cannot be attained

without the proper implementation of necessary political and institutional processes. The basic measure
for what constitutes "good" governance is the degree to which citizens' civil, cultural, economic,
political, and social rights are upheld. The term "governance" now refers to the "how" of exercising
power rather than the "what" of ruling or administration. Since persons in positions of authority are free
to use their influence however, they see fit, it stands to reason that we'd require some standards by
which to evaluate whether or not such authorities' statements reflect acceptable practices. Citizen
participation, legal certainty, system transparency, responsiveness of authorities, policy consensus,
policy equity and inclusion, responsibility of the system, strategic vision of authorities, etc. are all useful
indicators.

The World Bank defines "good governance" as "...that which is characterized by the rule of law,
transparent processes, and the active participation of a robust civil society in public affairs" and
"predictable, open, and informed policy-making." Instead, "bad governance" is characterized by things
like "arbitrary policy making," "unaccountable bureaucracy," "unenforced or unjust legal systems," "the
misuse of executive power," "a civil society that is disengaged from public life," and "pervasive
corruption."

In the report's introductory "Mission Statement," it was made clear that "administrative improvements"
referred to in the restricted meaning of the word, but good governance comprised much more than just
that. Determining whether or not a certain system of governance is "good" involves reference to
objective standards because of its significance in building a moral framework for government. The social
sector given must not only be strongly rooted in particular moral ideas and beliefs, but also take into
account the perspectives of its recognized stakeholders, beneficiaries, and customers.

Numerous institutions, including governments, legislatures, judiciaries, media outlets, private

companies, cooperatives, societies, trusts, organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
stand to gain by adopting principles of good governance. They should all be subject to the same degree
of public scrutiny and openness. In addition, all these and other parts of the community can only meet
the purpose of gaining the bigger benefit for the greatest possible number of individuals in society when
they conduct their affairs in a socially responsible manner.

Effective leadership can be measured against the rule of law. As the old saying goes, everyone must bow
down to the law since it is the supreme authority. If a government is to be considered legitimate, rule of
law must be in place. Every properly established government has a responsibility to rule in accordance
with the laws of the land, and any attempt to take the law into one's own hands or to undermine the
law must be met with immediate, decisive, and severe punishment. The Report goes on to express grave
worry over the fact that, even after more than half a century of independence, we cannot say with
certainty that our government is constitutional and runs in accordance with the rule of law.