Political decentralization affects local governance by redistributing power and decision-making authority from central governments to local entities. This shift can enhance citizen participation and accountability, allowing local governments to tailor policies to meet specific community needs. It can encourage innovation and responsiveness to local issues, fostering a sense of ownership among residents. However, decentralization can also pose challenges, such as resource disparities between regions and potential conflicts over authority, necessitating careful management to ensure equitable governance and effective service delivery.