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13-08-2026 - In the contemporary world, the legitimacy and success of any political system depend on its commitment to the principles of Good Governance. The Council of Europe has established a golden framework for responsible, transparent, and efficient democratic governance by defining twelve fundamental principles (Council of Europe, n.d.).
For a country like Iraq, which is in a phase of democratic transition and faces severe challenges in reconstructing its state and institutions, these principles serve not only as guidelines but also as an absolute necessity for emerging from crises. This article attempts to analyze the reality of governance in Iraq, specifically regarding decentralization and human security, in light of these international principles and the experience of other regions, such as Latin America (International IDEA, 2021), and to identify deficiencies and reform paths.

First: Good Governance as a Developmental Necessity
In reality, the effort to strengthen the pillars of a governance system that fosters and supports human development, especially for groups that have been significantly marginalized and subjected to poverty, is one of the most critical challenges facing societies, given differences in structure and affiliation (Berzinji, Sarhang Hama, 2025, p. 332).
Good governance, as established in scientific literature and international development reports, is not merely an administrative tradition but rather the cornerstone of human development.
According to the framework of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), governance manifests in the application of economic, political, and administrative authority to manage country affairs at all levels (Berzinji, 2025, p. 332).
This content also encompasses the tools, actions, and institutions through which citizens and their groups express their interests, exercise their legal rights, fulfill their obligations, and resolve their conflicts (Berzinji, Sarhang Hama, 2025, p. 332).
The World Bank (WB) has defined it as a governance system that includes traditions and institutions through which authority is exercised in countries for the general good (Berzinji, 2025, p. 332).
This is a process where citizens are central (Council of Europe, n.d., Principle 1) and institutions protect their dignity and rights. In Iraq, the issue of good governance has a direct connection to human security and escaping the remnants of dictatorship (Berzinji, Sarhang Hama, 2025, p. 335).

Second: The Gap Between the Constitutional Text and Reality
The Constitution of the Republic of Iraq (2005) established the general foundations of good governance, as well as the peaceful transfer of power and the principle of participation through the right to elect and seek office, the separation of powers, people's sovereignty, the rule of law principle, judicial independence, and administrative and political decentralization in governance.
These, along with many other constitutional texts, have been established concerning human security and its content (Berzinji, Sarhang Hama, 2025, p. 334). These principles align with international principles such as the rule of law (Council of Europe, n.d., Principle 5) and participation and representation (Council of Europe, n.d., Principle 1).

However, analyses and international reports, similar to the experience of Latin America (International IDEA, 2021), point to a severe deficiency in implementing these principles in reality.
On the ground, a clear deficiency in applying these principles is observed (Berzinji, Sarhang Hama, 2025, p. 334). According to what was indicated in the book (The Iraq Briefing Book 2010), prepared by international partners in Iraq for the Iraqi government, while the Iraqi Constitution established the foundation of decentralization and political authority for the provinces is practically present, the current administrative structure exhibits a strong approach toward centralization.
In a way, administrative decentralization has not been meaningfully implemented (Berzinji, Sarhang Hama, 2025, p. 334). This imbalance demonstrates that the concepts of efficient and effective administration (Council of Europe, n.d., Principle 7) and responsiveness (Council of Europe, n.d., Principle 2) to the needs of people at the local level have not been fully embodied.

Third: Political Compromises as Obstacles to Accountability and Innovation
One of the major obstacles to solidifying good governance in Iraq is the existence of an expensive bureaucracy and opportunities for corruption (Berzinji, Sarhang Hama, 2025, p. 335). This contradicts Principle 4 (Ethical Conduct), Principle 5 (Rule of Law), and Principle 10 (Sound Financial Management) (Council of Europe, n.d.). These problems also occur in many other regions of the world and require deep reform (International IDEA, 2021).

In our opinion, many of these principles indicated in the constitution require legislation and laws for activation, which the constitution has paved the way for in approximately (59) different topics, needing to be organized by specific law (Berzinji, Sarhang Hama, 2025, p. 335).
As per the second paragraph of Article (9) regarding organizing military service until its conclusion, and the third paragraph of Article (132) regarding care for families of martyrs and political prisoners and victims of the previous dictatorial system (Berzinji, Sarhang Hama, 2025, p. 335).

However, at certain times, political compromises, and at other times, boycotts, have become obstacles to enacting many of these laws, which to a degree guarantee human security and welfare (Berzinji, 2025, p. 335). Of the bill proposals that faced significant obstacles, examples include the Oil and Gas Law and the Federal Supreme Court Law, which, despite first and second readings, remain on the shelves of the Iraqi Council of Representatives to this day (Berzinji, 2025, p. 335). This delay is a clear sign of the weakness in responsiveness and transparency.

Fourth: Toward a Comprehensive Reform Strategy
To overcome the current reality and build an effective state, a national reform strategy must be formulated in light of the 12 principles, focusing on solidifying international principles and administrative reform. Importance must be given to the difference between governance realities based on law and reality in setting a program to restructure the general system (Berzinji, 2025, p. 334).

The reform strategy must include these points (International IDEA, 2021):
Renewing administrative and financial structure: Implementing administrative decentralization meaningfully.
The book (The Iraq Briefing Book 2010) states that work must be done against non-adherence to a successful power distribution system.
A cohesive framework for transparency and accountability must be formulated and implemented, ensuring that decentralization leads to better resource utilization for community service, as opposed to an expensive state bureaucracy and opportunities for corruption (Berzinji, 2025, p. 335).
Furthermore, the central government can play an important role in policymaking and oversight regarding quality and the evaluation of decentralization of tasks and services (@Dr. Sarhang Berzinji, 2025, p. 335).

Strengthening accountability and transparency (Council of Europe, n.d., Principles 6 & 12): Effective mechanisms must be established for holding officials and institutions accountable, and the financial management process must be entirely transparent to guarantee service for the public good, not individual interests.
Overcoming legislative deadlock: Political parties must prioritize supreme national interests and human security and work to enact delayed laws, which guarantee human security and national development.
Fostering democratic participation (Council of Europe, n.d., Principle 1): A conducive environment must be provided for active citizen participation in the decision-making process and respect for their fundamental rights.

Iraq faces a historic turning point.
Failure to adhere to the principles of good governance is not just an administrative issue but rather a threat to national and human stability and security. The twelve principles of good democratic governance present a clear roadmap. Transforming theoretical constitutional foundations into a practical reality requires overcoming political compromises and building an efficient and responsible administrative structure that equally guarantees the reconstruction of Kurdistan and all of Iraq. Only by adopting this comprehensive strategy can trust in public institutions be rebuilt and a bright future secured for Iraqi citizens.

List of References (Reference List)
Kurdish References:
Berzinji, Sarhang Hama. (2025). Interpretation of Several Constitutional Issues. Erbil: Hattrick Press.
International References:
Council of Europe. (n.d.). 12 Principles of Good Democratic Governance. [Online]. Available at: [suspicious link removed] [Accessed: 10 August 2026].
International IDEA. (2021). Democratic Governance as an Effective and Enduring Response to the Challenges Facing Latin America. Jurist Sanar sorkan Sheroky

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