(b) Southern Sudan level of government, which shall exercise authority in respect of the people and states in Southern Sudan, (c) The state level of government, which shall exercise authority at the state level throughout the Sudan and render public services through the level closest to the people, (d) Local level of government, which shall be throughout the Sudan. Devolution of Powers 25 The following principles shall guide the devolution and distribution of powers between all levels of government:(a) recognition of the autonomy of the Government of Southern Sudan and the states, (b) affirmation of the need for norms and standards of governance and management at national, Southern Sudan and state levels, that reflect the unity of the country while asserting the diversity of the Sudanese people, (c) acknowledgement of the role of the State in the promotion of the welfare of the people and protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, (d) recognition of the need for the involvement and participation of all Sudanese people, particularly the people of Southern Sudan, at all levels of government as an expression of the national unity of the country, (e) pursuit of good governance through democracy, transparency, accountability and the rule of law at all levels of government to consolidate lasting peace. Inter-Governmental Linkages 26(1) In the administration of the decentralized system of the country, the following principles of inter-governmental linkages shall be respected:(a) the linkage between the national government and the states in Southern Sudan shall be through the government of Southern Sudan, (b) in their relationships with each other or with other government organs, all levels of government and particularly national, Southern Sudan and state governments shall observe the following:11