Publication of Budget Documents (LR0056)

This commitment is aimed at increasing public access to fiscal information and providing opportunity for their participation in at least 2 stages (budget formulation and execution) of the budget process; thereby increasing transparency in the management of public Resources. This is because there are limited detailed budgetary information which leads to a lot of speculations within the media which clouds citizens judgement of the realities of the facts within the budget documents.

15. What problem does the commitment aim to address?
The commitment seeks to address limited public access to key budget documents and public participation in the budget process which have led to unnecessary speculations within the public about the budget.

16. What are the causes of the problem?
Elaborate on your understanding of the causes of the problem. As much as possible, identify the root causes. Utilize problem analytical tools (e.g., problem tree, five whys, fishbone diagram, or other related methods) when necessary and provide evidence whenever possible. There are very limited public engagements on the detailed aspects of the national budget. When this commitment is achieved a lot of civic education will be achieved on the budget.

Commitment Description
The commitments seek to address limited public access to key budget documents and public participation in the budget process. Increasing public access to fiscal information and providing opportunity for their participation in at least 2 stages (budget formulation and execution) of the budget process; thereby increasing transparency in the management of public resources and the accountability thereof.

16. What solution are you proposing?
By publishing key budget documents and providing opportunity for public participation during the formulation and execution of the budget, the public will be informed and positioned to influence the allocation of budgetary resources and hold government accountable and enhance Government’s transparency.

17. What results do we want to achieve by implementing this commitment?
The commitment is relevant to OGP values because it seeks to promote openness in government and civic participation in the management of public resources which are the core of the OGP values.

22. How will the commitment promote transparency?
Empowering citizens with the right budget knowledge will Improve citizens participation in developmental decision making and monitoring. It will promote governmental accountability and transparency and build trust with citizens.

23. How will the commitment help foster accountability?
This comment will foster citizens participation, inclusion and enhance governmental integrity; thereby promoting public accountability.

24. How will the commitment improve citizen participation in defining, implementing, and monitoring solutions? Closing the feedback loop mechanism will be created to continuously incorporate citizens voices in public procurement administration. Citizens, however, are consulted and engaged for their inclusion throughout the fiscal year.

Commitment Planning
Milestones
Publish 7 of the 8 key budget documents (Budget Framework Paper, Draft Budget, Citizen Guide to the Budget, Approved National Budget, Quarterly Financial Statements, Mid-Year Review, Consolidated Financial Statement) each year Publish the Budget Calendar, Budget Call Circular, Quarterly Budget Performance Reports, External Resource (Aid & Debt) Reports Construct a dedicated interactive and userfriendly citizen budget Website Conduct pre-budget consultations to solicit citizens’ inputs in annual budget Facilitate the Fiscal Transparency Advisory Group and other to attend Sector Working Group Meetings Shadow Budget Option Paper

Expected Outputs
# of budget documents published mid-year of citizens guide to the budget published
# of financial statements published # of Budget calendars published
# of performance reports published # of citizens engagements on the website with the national budget information
# of citizens engaged within the consultation process annually
# of meetings held # of meeting minutes produced # of Shadow Budget Option Papers published