What is the Open Budget Survey? An independent, comparative analysis of: –Public access to budget information and opportunities to participate in the budget process, and –Strength of legislatures and auditors in budget oversight Implemented by civil society researchers in 94 countries, reviewed by two peer reviewers and government Open Budget Index measures 8 key budget documents through four phases of the budget process Published biennially – next release October

OBI Overall findings

Key Finding # 1: Dismal State of Budget Transparency Public Shut out of Budget Process in the Majority of 85 Countries - Only five countries provide extensive information - Forty-one countries provide minimal or no information Low performing countries are often: In Sub-Saharan Africa or MENA Dependent on oil and gas revenues and/or aid Closed political systems

Key Finding # 2: Lack of Transparency is Compounded by Weak Oversight Institutions Legislatures are frequently undermined by: a) Insufficient legal powers b) Lack of time for thorough review Supreme Audit Institutions have to contend with: a) Insufficient independence b) Insufficient funding

Key Finding #3: Some countries are improving (from a low base)

Recommendations Short-term: Publish What You Produce Medium-term: A global norm on budget transparency

8 Publish What You Produce

Norms on Budget Transparency Rationale -Leverage for CSO oversight -Potential for powerful cross-sector coalition -Deepen and broaden int principles and practices -Timely given current economic crisis Contents –Access to budget information –Access to budget decision-making –Access to redress Location and process

10 Contact Information 820 First Street, NE Suite 510 Washington, DC Phone: Fax: or