The case for further devolution thus has to be argued and won both in Parliament and the country. The latter is a legitimate fear of the majority in the context of talk of a permanent merger of the Northern Province and the ethnically more diverse Eastern Province, and the potential for even more 'ethnic cleansing' than witnessed so far in the two province. Devolution of power to unit of government, which are smaller than the existing Provinces, and capable of exercising increased powers wisely, would meet the two criteria mentioned above. Devolution on a district rather than a Provincial basis would minimise if not dispel the fear that less central power and regulation would endanger the territorial integrity of the country. At the same time districts are large enough to be managed as self-sustaining units by their own assemblies.
Smaller units offer more opportunities for participation by local people.
It may be argued that the districts are too small to be viable units of devolved government. The argument does not hold. Switzerland, the most democratic and best governed country in the world, and extremely prosperous too, has a population of only 7 million people. Extensive power is exercised there by 22 cantons, self-governing on most matters affecting the everyday lives of people. The complex mix of people and interests within the existing Provinces could be better accommodated with districts as the devolution unit.