Local government is no exception when it comes to accountability and transparency. Shah stresses the need to develop a governance framework that incorporates responsive, responsible and accountable local government that engages in local servicThe same message also features in the Commonwealth’s vision for improving local government. Accordingly, citizens and voters need to be empowered in order to put pressure on elected representatives to improve service delivery. The Aberdeen Agenda, which was endorsed by Heads of Commonwealth countries in 2005, outlines 12 principles of good governance that should underpin democracy at the local level in member countries. Accountability and transparency are amongst the adopted principle.