Political decentralisation refers to the transfer and sharing of political authority, decision-making power, and responsibilities from the central government to lower levels of government such as states, provinces, regions, districts, municipalities, and local councils. It is based on the idea that governance becomes more democratic, responsive, and accountable when people participate directly or indirectly in decisions that affect their daily lives. Political decentralisation strengthens democratic institutions by enabling citizens to elect their representatives at different levels of governance and by creating space for local leadership, participation, and political pluralism. At its core, political decentralisation aims to distribute political power in a manner that prevents excessive centralisation and promotes self-governance. In centralized systems, decision-making authority is concentrated at the national level, often resulting in policies that may not adequately reflect local needs, priorities, or socio-cultural contexts. Political decentralisation addresses this limitation by empowering sub-national governments with constitutionally or legally recognized authority to formulate policies, enact laws within their jurisdiction, and govern local affairs. This diffusion of power helps balance national unity with regional diversity. A key feature of political decentralisation is the establishment of elected local and regional governments. These bodies derive their legitimacy from popular elections rather than appointments by the central authority. Through regular, free, and fair elections, citizens gain the right to choose their representatives at local levels, thereby deepening democratic practices. Elected local governments act as a bridge between the state and society, articulating grassroots demands and translating them into public policies. This electoral mechanism enhances political accountability, as representatives remain answerable to the local electorate. Political decentralisation also promotes political participation beyond voting. It creates institutional spaces such as local councils, committees, and assemblies where citizens can engage in deliberation, consultation, and decision-making. Such participation encourages political awareness, civic responsibility, and leadership development among citizens. Marginalized groups, including women, minorities, and disadvantaged communities, often gain greater visibility and representation at local levels than in national politics. Thus, political decentralisation can contribute to social inclusion and democratic equality. Another important dimension of political decentralisation is the autonomy of sub-national governments. Autonomy implies that local and regional bodies possess independent authority to make decisions without undue interference from the central government. This autonomy may be constitutional, as in federal systems, or statutory, as in unitary systems with decentralized governance. Political decentralisation does not imply the weakening of the state; rather, it reorganizes state power to make governance more effective and participatory. Clear delineation of powers and responsibilities between different levels of government is essential to avoid