PROPOSED MODEL FOR PUBLIC FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY ASSESSMENT IN IRAQ USING THE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY (PEFA) FRAMEWORK

Abstract

The research aimed to clarify the concepts related to transparency and public finance, in addition to defining the nature of the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Framework and the Public Financial Management Assessment Framework, as well as adapting and applying the indicators and dimensions included in the PEFA Framework to suit the local environment and transparency practices. The research reached a set of conclusions, the most prominent of which was the lack of interest of the departments concerned with financial affairs in keeping pace with emerging international standards and guidelines, and the possibility of applying the PEFA Framework to evaluate and assess the levels of transparency of public finance. It recommended the need to provide financial and human support to the departments concerned with financial affairs to enable them to keep pace with the adoption of appropriate international developments, and to focus on adapting and applying the PEFA Framework at the local level and benefiting from its results to evaluate financial management in the country.