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Iraq’s Federal Board of Supreme Audit: A Beacon of Transparency and Accountability in Public Finances
As the country strives to rebuild its economy, the FBSA plays a crucial role in ensuring public funds are used effectively and transparently.
Introduction
In a post-conflict environment, transparency and accountability are essential for rebuilding trust between citizens and their government. In Iraq, the Federal Board of Supreme Audit (FBSA) has been at the forefront of promoting financial accountability and transparency.
History and Mandate
Established in 1927, the FBSA is an independent institution with legal personality, responsible for auditing government bodies and institutions across the country. According to Article 103 of the Iraqi Constitution, the FBSA is mandated to exercise control over public funds and detect fraud and corruption.
Enhancing Capacities and Expertise
In recent years, the FBSA has demonstrated its commitment to protecting public funds by enhancing its capacities, expertise, and skills. This has enabled it to issue high-quality reports and formulate strategic and annual plans that are closely followed and efficiently implemented.
Role of Parliament in Accountability
Parliament plays a key role in holding the executive accountable, with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reviewing both proposed and actual expenditures. The PAC’s methodology includes scrutiny, surveillance, public exposure, and debate through various specialized government institutions.
Value for Money in Government Projects
Measuring value for money is essential for socio-economic projects. The FBSA emphasizes the importance of identifying social impacts, critically comparing costs to expected benefits, determining whether projects achieve desired outcomes, and considering how current projects can lead to future initiatives.
Challenges in Implementing Government Projects
Challenges persist in implementing government projects due to a lack of clear definition of value-for-money criteria at the project planning stage and poor monitoring of implementation. To overcome these challenges, the FBSA advocates for the adoption of principles that prioritize maximum efficiency and effectiveness in project implementation.
Conclusion
As Iraq strives to rebuild its economy, the Federal Board of Supreme Audit is committed to promoting transparency and accountability in public finances. By strengthening its capacities and enhancing its role in auditing government bodies, the FBSA can help ensure that public funds are used effectively and transparently, ultimately benefiting the Iraqi people.
Photo Caption The Federal Board of Supreme Audit’s headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.
Key Quotes
- “The legitimacy of the government depends on its ability to mobilize resources transparently and allocate them equitably for service delivery.” - FBSA official
- “Measuring value for money is essential for socio-economic projects. We need to identify social impacts, critically compare costs to expected benefits, and determine whether projects achieve desired outcomes.” - FBSA expert
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