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afrol News, 26 April - The peace process in Angola is giving new impetus to a long-standing national debate on decentralisation and democracy. A new programme is looking into the possibilities of reforming the territorial administration given the new political possibilities and needs. The UN development agency (UNDP) in cooperation with the Ministry of Territorial Administration have just released a new book, entitled 'Decentralization in Angola', which presents strategies and models by Angolan and international experts that offer solutions to the long-standing debate. A large country with profound economic, social, ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity, Angola has suffered from conflict for decades. According to UNDP, efforts have been underway since the early 1990s to loosen centralised government structures dating from independence in 1975 and before. The UN agency is carrying out a programme on institutional reform and administrative modernization in partnership with the Ministry of Territorial Administration. Together, they have published the book, which is in Portuguese, UNDP reports. "Its release coincides with the Council of Ministers approval of a plan on local governance and traditional authorities." Faustino Muteka , Minister of Territorial Administration, was quoted by UNDP saying that decentralisation, "as an integral part of the democratisation process," implies changes in public administration. With decentralisation, "municipalities will have to have their own budget, revenues and patrimony," he went on. Muteka further was quoted saying that the partnership between his Ministry and UNDP would help establish the basic conditions for implementing decentralisation through a devolution of state functions to lower levels to "improve efficiency, participation and local democracy.” Erick de Mul, UNDP Resident Representative in Angola, said the book would be a reference tool in the political and social debate that has "attracted the attention of political leaders and civil society." It analyses the country's political and institutional evolution since independence and offers "solutions and models for the future local governance in Angola," he said, according the UNDP web site. UNDP notes that the book indicates that decentralisation can help Angola reduce poverty, achieve other development goals and promote social cohesion, peace and national unity. Local governance and local elections can ensure transparent, democratic power sharing, allowing a voice for different political parties. Several African countries have experienced positive changes in local administration and development after embarking on decentralisation reforms. According to UNDP, the Angolan government has already taken a number of steps towards decentralisation. The National Assembly has decided to establish local governance at the municipal level, and the Council of Ministers has approved a plan for local elections next year. Also for the rebel UNITA, now willing to lay down its arms and turn to politics, is interested in the issue as it believes to have some local strongholds where it can establish itself. Sources: Based on UNDP and afrol archives
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