The Legal Foundations for the Evolving Role of Oversight Bodies in Combating Corruption in Iraq
Keywords:
Oversight bodies, corruption, State Audit Bureau, Integrity Commission, transparencyAbstract
This research aims to elucidate the legal foundations upon which the evolving role of oversight bodies in combating corruption in Iraq is based. This is achieved through an analysis of the constitutional and legislative framework governing their operations, and by examining the impact of legal and constitutional developments, particularly the 2005 Constitution of the Republic of Iraq, on strengthening their jurisdictions and powers. Furthermore, the research studies the influence of international agreements, primarily the United Nations Convention against Corruption, on the development of the Iraqi oversight system. The research's significance lies in its focus on a topic directly related to protecting public funds and establishing the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability. This is accomplished by assessing the adequacy of the legal framework governing oversight bodies in addressing corruption, thereby contributing to the development of national legislation and enhancing the effectiveness of oversight institutions in achieving good governance. To this end, the research employs a descriptive-analytical approach to examine and analyze constitutional and legislative texts, a historical approach to trace the evolution of oversight bodies in Iraq, and an inductive approach to derive the legal principles governing their work. The research concluded that the development of the role of oversight bodies was based on a set of constitutional and legislative foundations that strengthened their legal standing and expanded their mandates in combating corruption. However, the persistence of certain challenges, most notably overlapping jurisdictions, weak institutional coordination, the need to enhance administrative and financial independence, and the need to update legislation to keep pace with emerging forms of corruption, necessitates continued legislative and institutional reform. This will achieve a more efficient and effective oversight system for protecting public funds and upholding the rule of law.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ali Mashhadi (Author); Thaer Al-Azzawi (Corresponding author)
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