Good Governance

Good governance refers to the effective, efficient, equitable, and ethical management of a country, organization, or institution. It encompasses a range of principles and practices that ensure the transparent, responsible, and accountable administration of resources and decision-making processes. Good governance is vital for promoting sustainable development, maintaining social stability, and fostering trust among citizens or stakeholders.

A “Good Governance” through “Law Clinics'' is typically a project or initiative within Al-Nahrain University, Carthage University and University of Cologne that focuses on the study and application of legal principles to promote good governance together with an NGO working in this field. By promoting good governance through law clinics, the project aims to strengthen the development of democratic institutions and the rule of law in the partner countries Iraq and Tunisia. The three universities often involve law students working under the supervision of experienced attorneys or faculty members to provide legal services, conduct research, or engage in advocacy related to governance issues.

Elections are an important corner stone of good governance, as they serve as the lifeblood of democratic societies, playing a pivotal role in ensuring representative governance and fostering civic participation. Through the act of voting, citizens have the power to shape the composition of their leadership, holding elected officials accountable for their actions and decisions. Elections contribute therefore to the legitimacy of democratic institutions, providing a peaceful and orderly mechanism for the transfer of power. The competitive nature of elections encourages political parties and candidates to articulate their visions and policies, fostering a marketplace of ideas that enriches public discourse. In essence, the importance of elections lies not only in the selection of leaders but in their capacity to sustain the principles of democracy, ensuring responsive, transparent, and effective governance.

In Iraq, the research center Bayt-Al Hikma is providing the government with policy advice regarding good governance, especially regarding elections. The Strategic Center for Human Rights is conducting research on election participation. In Tunis, the L’association tunisienne de défense des libertés individuelles is advocating for the defense of individual rights.