For developing countries, decentralising power from central government to local authorities holds the promise of deepening democracy, empowering citizens, improving public services and boosting economic growth. But the evidence on when and how decentralisation can bring these benefits has been...

Local governments : a global presence / Richard Kerley, Joyce Liddle, Pam Dunning -- Local electoral systems / Michael Cole -- Local political leadership : the voters or councillors : who chooses who governs? / Colin Copus -- Traditional leaders and local government in Pacific Island countries /...