Transparency (Open Budget Index) 15/100
The Government of Fiji provides the public with scant budget information.
Public Participation 10/100
The Government of Fiji is weak in providing the public with opportunities to engage in the budget process.
Budget Oversight
By legislature 0/100
Budget oversight by the legislature in Fiji is nonexistent[1].
By auditor 25/100
Budget oversight by the supreme audit institution in Fiji is weak.
Recommendations
Improving Transparency
Fiji should prioritize the following actions to improve budget transparency[2]:
- Publish a Pre-Budget Statement, an Enacted Budget, an In-Year Report, and a Mid-Year Review.
- Produce and publish a Citizens Budget and a Year-End Report.
Improving Participation
Fiji should prioritize the following actions to improve budget participation:
- Establish credible and effective mechanisms (i.e., public hearings, surveys, focus groups) for capturing a range of public perspectives on budget matters.
- Hold legislative hearings on the budgets of specific ministries, departments, and agencies at which testimony from the public is heard.
- Establish formal mechanisms for the public to assist the supreme audit institution to formulate its audit program and to participate in audit investigations.
Improving Oversight
Fiji should prioritize the following actions to strengthen budget oversight:
- Establish a specialized budget research office for the legislature.
- Ensure the Executive’s Budget Proposal is provided to legislators at least three months before the start of the budget year.
- Require legislative or judicial approval to remove the head of the supreme audit institution.
[1] During the Survey research period, Fiji did not have a legislature in place. However, parliamentary elections were held in 2014.
[2] According to the Open Budget Survey Tracker (www.obstracker.org), the 2015 Pre-Budget Statement, 2015 Enacted Budget, and 2013 Year-End Report are considered not publicly available. The 2014 Pre-Budget Statement, 2014 Enacted Budget, and 2012 Year-End Report, which were assessed as part of the Open Budget Survey 2015, were published in a timely manner.