A budget is a political statement made by governments about their development priorities. The existence of effective transparency and accountability mechanisms is critical to ensure that governments fulfil their obligations and promises. Without transparency and accountability, citizens cannot track the use of resources and the delivery of services promised in the budget, let alone hold government responsible. The resulting level of mistrust can go as far as undermining social stability and economic growth. Therefore, budget transparency and accountability are intrinsic elements of good public financial governance, and form a key part of the public financial management reform agenda.