Transition to a more democratic organization of the political environment led to the adoption of four laws in 1998 - Decentralization Laws - that provide for local governments' semi-autonomy, and define the overall context in which decentralization would occur, outlining the principles for...

"This paper identifies systematic performance differences between younger and older democracies: younger democracies are more corrupt; exhibit less rule of law, lower levels of bureaucratic quality, and lower secondary school enrollments; and spend more on public investment and government...

This study addresses the roles of different levels of government and the institutional arrangements involved in the provision of key services. The focus throughout is on disadvantaged rural areas. The study demonstrates the approach for a small number of sectors that have been "devolved" to...