Fifth, terms of office for local political leaders is closely related to issues of authority and accountability. Mayors need incentives to focus on at least the medium-term, rather the solely the short-term. This requires a long enough term or potential terms to be able to be seen to be accomplishing meaningful objectives. Mexico’s three-year, non-renewable mayoral terms, for example, have been associated with a very short-term focus in local officials’ governance strategies. In practice, where multiple terms are allowed, three to four year terms are desirable. Where only single terms are permitted, then 5-6 years would be appropriate. The detailed design of authority, powers, accountability systems and procedures must be related to local circumstances, including issues which may range from cultural traditions to the state of accounting and auditing systems. Considerations also include the balance to be struck between preference for room for aggressive leadership versus protecting the community from excesses - this latter choice is a matter of political taste, which is often a consequence of historical experience.