Publication: Using an Ombudsman to Oversee Public Officials
Date
1999-04
ISSN
Published
1999-04
Author(s)
Abstract
The note addresses the role of ombudsman
offices, and what ensures its effectiveness. Good
administration requires much more than acting legally, which
include constitutional, and human rights abuses,
mismanagement, as well as illegal practices. An
ombudsman's independence from other branches of
government, and administration, particularly the executive
branch, is a crucial factor, following the legal provisions
on its appointment, dismissal, powers, and budgetary issues.
Though closely associated with parliament because courts are
important autonomous regulators of official behavior, there
is the potential to overlap with an ombudsman. But, to the
extent that the ombudsman becomes involved in matters of
legality, it is an adjunct to the courts. Conditions for an
effective ombudsman are: political support; adequate
resources; public perception, functional competence; and,
regulatory value.
Link to Data Set
Citation
“Manning, Nick; Galligan, D.J.. 1999. Using an Ombudsman to Oversee Public Officials. PREM Notes; No. 19. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/11491 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”