Government Transparency Research Articles

The Role of A'bulosibatang Local Culture and its Relationship with Taxpayer Compliance in Gowa Regency

This research was conducted aims to determine the effect of a'bulosibatang on taxpayer compliance. Qualitative research type, which is a way used to answer research problems related to data in the form of narratives This research is a descriptive qualitative research using interviews as a research instrument. The informants are the people of Gowa who have become active taxpayers and are registered at the KP2KP Gowa Testing is done by triangulation (data coding, data reduction and conclusion drawing). The results showed that efforts to efforts to increase public trust in accountability and transparency government must continue to be encouraged. WPOP compliance in gowa Regency especially in limbung shows compliance in paying taxes, where cultural values such as cultural values such as Mutual Assistance, cooperation play a key role in the implementation of tax obligations. implementation of tax obligations. As for the implications of this research, it is in terms of formulating policies and regulations relating to existing taxation and increasing public confidence in the government's financial regulations especially for the tax funds collected. so that tax awareness and tax compliance becomes a joint responsibility as long as the government also contributes in terms of accountable and prosperous policies and management.

The influence of village financial system (Siskeudes application), transparency, and internal control on fraud prevention

Fraud is rampant in Indonesia, especially in the public sector, including regional governments. Fraud cases have touched both the central and the lowest levels in the villages, which ensnare many people in the village. This study aims to analyze the influence of the village financial system (Siskeudes application), transparency, and internal control on fraud prevention in village governance in Pinrang District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The sample includes village heads, treasurers, and village representative bodies, and it has a total of 51 people. The primary data are obtained from questionnaires using a quantitative approach and a multiple linear regression with the Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) application. The research results show that the coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.657. Thus, the magnitude of the influence of village financial system, transparency, and internal government control on fraud prevention amounts to 65.7%. The results of the study show that the village financial system has a significant positive effect on fraud prevention (p-value = 0.025 < 0.05), transparency has a significant positive effect on fraud prevention (p-value = 0.031 < 0.05), and internal control has a significant positive effect on fraud prevention (p-value = 0.035 < 0.05).

Impact of fiscal regulation on regional carbon intensity: assessing the carbon emission reduction effect of transparent government revenue and expenditure

ABSTRACT Fiscal regulations enhance fiscal compliance and reduce undue government intervention in economic performance, which may have important implications for low-carbon development. However, few empirical studies have investigated the impact of fiscal regulations on carbon intensity. Based on data from 278 cities in China from 2005 to 2020, this study constructed a difference-in-differences model using the release of the new Budget Law to investigate the impact of fiscal revenue and expenditure regulation on regional carbon emission intensity. The empirical results indicated that fiscal regulations can significantly reduce the intensity of carbon emissions. The mechanism tests indicate that fiscal regulation can optimize the allocation of local governments’ fiscal revenues and expenditures and improve infrastructure and innovation. Heterogeneity analyses indicate that the effect of fiscal regulation on reducing carbon emission intensity is more obvious in regions with high historical emissions and a high proportion of polluting industries. Based on the empirical results, the government should continuously improve fiscal transparency and the efficiency of fiscal fund use to reduce the impact of unreasonable fiscal revenue and expenditure on carbon emissions intensity.

Corruption in Namibia: Examining the Nexus Between Survey-Identified Causes and Empirical Validation

This study investigates the causal relationship between the factors identified in the 2016 National Corruption Perception Survey Report and corruption levels in Namibia. By analysing data from 2000 to 2022, the Toda-Yamamoto VAR Granger causality test was employed to investigate the impact of greed, poor leadership and law enforcement, poverty (working poverty), and poor pay (compensation to employees) on corruption levels. The results revealed statistically significant causal linkages between greed, poor leadership and law enforcement, and poverty. Poor pay, however, showed no significant causal influence on corruption. These findings highlight the necessity of tackling issues such as equal income distribution, poverty, and governance inadequacies in anti-corruption initiatives. Targeted measures based on empirical evidence can effectively reduce corruption and increase transparency in governance. Additionally, conducting more recent corruption surveys in Namibia could yield up-to-date perceptions that could be adopted in similar country-specific studies elsewhere.

Open data platforms: Design principles for embracing outlaw innovators

Open data platforms freely provide citizens with access to public data, thus enabling improved governance transparency, enhanced public services, and increased civic engagement. However, unlocking the potential of this digital transformation strategy requires that public institutions manage the tension between public and private interests. Furthermore, even when public institutions break down traditional barriers for citizens’ access to data, the potential users often lack the knowledge to leverage it in meaningful ways. Open data platforms therefore tend to fall short of expectations. Leveraging a 10-year action design research study (ADR) in the Swedish Transport Administration (STA), this paper develops design principles for creating value-generating open data platforms in the public domain. The ADR project was initiated to assist STA in its efforts to deal with outlaw innovators who scraped train data from different websites to develop travel apps. Through three iterative design cycles that eventually led to the formation of a new open data platform, the outlaw innovators increasingly became valued partners in the digital transformation process. Theorizing this development process, this paper offers three design principles that provide guidance to public institutions aspiring to digitally transform by making public data accessible. We also reflect upon how these institutions might mitigate the risks associated with partnering with outlaw innovators in the pursuit of an open data strategy.

O impacto da Implemetação De Tecnologias Da Informação e Comunicação – TIC – para a transparência dos atos governamentais na Administração Pública Brasileira

The implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the Brazilian public administration has been the subject of study and reflection due to the impacts they can bring to the transparency of government acts. This qualitative-explanatory study aimed to investigate the impact of ICT on transparency in the Brazilian public administration, identifying barriers and benefits regarding its implementation. This research was carried out with reference to the keywords: transparency, electronic governance, public administration, information and communication technology; and as a database for the search of articles Google Scholar, Scielo, Capes and Anpad Steel, in addition to government websites and transparency portals; During the research, current legislation, government policies and publications in the period from 2010 to 2024 were considered. In this vein, preliminary results indicate significant advances in the use of ICT in the Brazilian public administration, demonstrating improvements in the efficiency of operations, transparency and quality of the services provided through the automation of processes, improvement in decision-making and greater integration with regard to the coordination of activities. However, despite the advances observed, challenges to be overcome were identified, such as issues involving cybersecurity, inequality between levels of access to information, and resistance to change on the part of some actors involved. In addition, the study, in addition to dealing with a current and relevant topic, also observes gaps and provides data that may be important for other research that is being carried out.

Substitutive effects of accounting transparency and corporate governance on firm value

Recently, there has been increasing emphasis on the importance of accounting transparency and corporate governance. While previous studies have individually examined their impact on firm values, this paper investigates their combined effects. Using data from the Compustat and Center for Research in Security Prices databases obtained through Wharton Research Data Services, we measure accounting transparency and company value, and we employ the E-index as a measure of corporate governance. This study conducts firm, year, and industry fixed effects regressions on a large panel dataset comprising 21,476 firm-year observations. According to our research, both accounting transparency and good corporate governance have negative effects on the value of a company. This means that spending money to improve both may end up costing more than it benefits, which could lower the value of the company. These results support the notion that investors may see that maintaining high levels of accounting transparency and corporate governance can be excessively costly, while an overemphasis on these two metrics could potentially limit the flexibility and creativity of management. These findings have implications for managers tasked with achieving a balance between robust corporate governance, enhanced accounting transparency, and corporate value considerations.

E-governance under the framework of open governance in Georgia: current situation, problems and opportunities

PurposeThe paper explores how local authorities, particularly under the Open Government Partnership (OGP), respond to e-governance challenges in Georgia.Design/methodology/approachA weighted scoring system is adopted to assess e-governance in six OGP local authorities (Akhaltsikhe, Khoni, Kutaisi, Ozurgeti, Rustavi, and Tbilisi) in four areas, including access to information, digital service delivery, data management, and citizen engagement. Moreover, website analysis with a focus on transparency and citizen engagement supplements the evaluation.FindingsThe findings illustrate that the six local authorities have made certain accomplishments in e-governance and taken steps towards open government; however, these efforts lack coordination and systematic planning. Tbilisi embraces open governance principles with comprehensive action plans, strong transparency commitment, and engaging digital platforms. Kutaisi demonstrates notable progress with user-friendly digital platforms and a streamlined open data portal, emphasizing transparency. Rustavi shows significant development in digital service delivery and citizen engagement and a reputation as a transparent local government. Akhaltsikhe faces challenges in electronic service delivery and citizen engagement. Ozurgeti also encounters obstacles in information disclosure and electronic service delivery, while Khoni lags in information accessibility and citizen engagement.Originality/valueThis research is novel in studying the level of e-government among OGP local members in Georgia by a scoring system. The analysis will empower the government to proactively modify and adjust the situation on a regional scale, aligning with the challenges inherent in the country’s unique experiences.

Inclusive Democracy Through the 73rd Amendment Act: An Empirical Evaluation of Scheduled Castes in Majha Region of Punjab

The concept of inclusive democracy has gained special attention in the past few decades, as it is a prerequisite for transparent and participatory governance. Also, it promotes decentralization with the open participation of the citizens. In order to attain inclusive governance with a transparent and efficient system, the 73rd Amendment Act has been providing opportunities to promote inclusive democracy in rural India in the form of panchayats since its inception. In Punjab, village democracies are also known as Gram Sabhas. The 73rd Amendment is meant for the inclusion of the marginals, especially the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and women at the grassroot politics. This study examines the status of participation and representation of SCs at the Panchayati level in general and particularly in comparison to the General category (GC) representatives in the Majha region. Moreover, the study locates where the SCs stand against GCs in the process of decision-making at the Panchayati level. The opinions and observations of the study were based upon in-depth interviews of 408 representatives of panchayats, which show that 73rd Amendment increases awareness, consciousness and assertion among the SCs for their rights in the Panchayati Raj. It also leads to the emergence of grassroot leadership among them. Also, the study depicts the frontward representation of SC women in the panchayats. Similarly, the study reflects some regional issues and concerns predominant in the panchayats. Besides, suggestions and recommendations are also made to promote inclusiveness at the grassroots.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation Endorsement among a Sample of Native Spanish-Speakers in the US: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Research on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and misinformation endorsement among Spanish-speaking Americans is limited. This cross-sectional study used a Spanish-language survey from May-August 2021 among 483 Spanish speakers living in the US and Puerto Rico. We applied multivariable Poisson regression with robust error variances to assess the association between independent variables and binary outcomes for vaccine acceptance versus hesitance, as well as misinformation endorsement. Vaccine acceptance was associated with COVID-19 risk perception score (PR = 1.7 high vs. low perceived risk), opinion of government transparency (PR = 2.2 very transparent vs. not transparent), and trust in vaccine information (PR = 1.8 high vs. low). There was also an interaction between time spent on social media and social media as a main source of COVID-19 information (p = 0.0484). Misinformation endorsement was associated with opinion about government transparency (PR = 0.5 moderately vs. not transparent), trust in vaccine information (PR = 0.5 high vs. low trust), social media impact on vaccine confidence (PR = 2.1 decreased vs. increased confidence), distrust vaccines (PR = 1.9 distrust vs. trust), using vaccine information from Facebook (PR = 1.4 yes vs. no), and time spent on social media by those using social media as main source of COVID-19 vaccine information (p = 0.0120). Vaccine acceptance in respondents with high misinformation endorsement scores was 0.7 times those with low scores. These findings highlight the importance of effective information dissemination, the positive role of social media, and government transparency in boosting vaccine uptake among Spanish speakers in the US.

ICTS and e-Governance in Africa

Information and Communication Systems (ICTs) have widely affected the world of governance which has led to a growth in e-governance in African countries. Public institutions have slowly adapted ICTs in order to achieve new levels of efficiency and more effective means of service delivery. These technologies continue to strengthen not only communication with society, but also further fosters the accountability and transparency of governments and government officials. A common dispute against ICTs in Africa is based on the knowledge that some African countries have a questionable ICT readiness due to weak infrastructure. For instance, Frans and Pather (2021:1) elaborate on the costliness of data in a country like South Africa which has easily led to numerous households having minimal access to the internet. Furthermore, due to high levels of poverty and rural areas in some African countries, many people do not have access to smartphones, nevertheless data or internet connection. However, in this time, the Covid-19 pandemic has accentuated the need to be 'in the know' for many people, which has thus led to a high demand for ICTs in countries (Frans and Pather, 2021:1). With the assistance and utilisation of secondary sources, this paper aims to highlight the benefits that come with incorporating ICTs in government as a mechanism to foster a relationship between government and its people. Through the consideration and incorporation of governance principles such as accountability, transparency, decision-making and participation, this paper will elaborate on how these principles can be achieved in African countries through the use of ICTs in governance. This research will further observe the following countries as case studies: Ghana, Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa. The study analyses these countries’ approaches in incorporating ICT and how it has benefitted them and will further benefit them. It will explore various aspects that determine a country's ICT readiness whilst further considering the risks, limitations and benefits that an incorporation of ICTs in governance brings. Keywords: ICTs, Technology, Governance, Governments

Artificial intelligence in state and municipal management: challenges and prospects

Relevance. In the modern world, artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the fastest growing areas of information technology, which is increasingly penetrating into various spheres of human activity. In the context of public and municipal management, AI is a technology that is able to automate and optimize work processes, improve the quality of services provided to citizens, and increase the level of security and transparency of government work.The purpose is to analyze the possibilities and risks of using artificial intelligence in state and municipal management, as well as to determine the prospects for its development in this area.Objectives: to analyze the advantages of using artificial intelligence in state and municipal management; to study the risks and challenges associated with its implementation; to analyze trends in the development of artificial intelligence in this area, as well as to determine the prospects for its use.Methodology. Empirical, theoretical, statistical and graphical representation methods were used in the course of scientific research.Results. The study revealed the advantages of AI in public administration (improving efficiency, improving the quality of services, transparency, security); risks and challenges were studied (lack of infrastructure, risk of privacy violations, problems of transparency of algorithms, risk of discrimination); trends in the development of AI were analyzed (e-government, optimization of workflows, personalization of services, monitoring of social media, security); the prospects of using AI (smart cities, virtual assistants, hybrid systems, decision support, cooperation with business, international cooperation) have been identified.Conclusions. Artificial intelligence can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of public and municipal administration. However, for the successful implementation of AI, it is necessary to solve problems such as the lack of infrastructure and qualified specialists, ensuring data security, transparency of algorithms and compliance with the regulatory framework. To do this, it is necessary to conduct further research, develop integrated approaches and take into account world experience. The prospects for using AI include the creation of smart cities, the use of virtual assistants, hybrid systems, decision support systems, business cooperation and international cooperation.

Political Dichotomy and Disciplinary Processes of Employees in Local Government Administration, A Case of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, in Mopani District of Limpopo Province in South Africa

Political dichotomy in the disciplinary processes of local government employees has significant implications for governance and service delivery. This study focuses on the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province, South Africa, to explore how political affiliations and influences shape disciplinary outcomes. Using qualitative research methods, including interviews and document analysis, the study uncovers the extent to which political considerations override procedural fairness, leading to inconsistent disciplinary measures. The findings emphasize the need for depoliticized disciplinary frameworks to enhance administrative efficiency and integrity in local governance. Political patronage and interference have been shown to affect employee morale and organizational culture negatively. In the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, specific cases of political favouritism and bias have resulted in either undue leniency or harsh disciplinary actions. This study contributes to the understanding of the intricate relationship between politics and administration, highlighting the detrimental effects of political influence on the principles of accountability and transparency in local government. This research is unique in its detailed case study approach, providing a micro-level analysis that offers insights into broader national and regional trends in local government administration. It also proposes practical recommendations to mitigate political interference in disciplinary processes. By ensuring fair and consistent application of disciplinary procedures, local municipalities can improve service delivery and foster a more positive work environment.

Assessing the integration of refugee health data into national health information systems in Jordan, Lebanon, and Uganda

BackgroundWith the increasing number of protracted refugee crises globally, it is essential to ensure strong national health information systems (HIS) in displacement settings that include refugee-sensitive data and disaggregation by refugee status. This multi-country study aims to assess the degree of integration of refugee health data into national HIS in Jordan, Lebanon, and Uganda and identify the strengths and weaknesses of their national HIS in terms of collecting and reporting on refugee-related health indicators.MethodsThe study employs a comparative country analysis approach using a three-phase framework. The first phase involved reviewing 4120 indicators compiled from global health organizations, followed by a multi-stage refinement process, resulting in 45 indicators distributed across five themes. The second phase consisted of selecting relevant criteria from the literature, including data sources, annual reporting, disaggregation by refugee status, refugee population adjustments, accuracy, and consistency. The third phase involved assessing data availability and quality of the selected indicators against these criteria.ResultsOur analysis uncovered significant challenges in assessing the health status of refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, and Uganda, primarily stemming from limitations in the available health data and indicators. Specifically, we identified significant issues including incomplete local data collection with reliance on international data sources, fragmented data collection from various entities leading to discrepancies, and a lack of distinction between refugees and host populations in most indicators. These limitations hinder accurate comparisons and analyses. In light of these findings, a set of actionable recommendations was proposed to guide policymakers in the three countries to improve the integration of refugee health data into their national HIS ultimately enhancing refugees’ well-being and access to healthcare services.ConclusionThe current status of refugee-related health data in Jordan, Lebanon, and Uganda indicates the need for improved data collection and reporting practices, disaggregation by refugee status and better integration of refugee health data into national HIS to capture the health status and needs of refugees in host countries. Key improvement strategies include establishing a centralized authority for consistent and efficient data management, fostering transparent and inclusive data governance, and strengthening workforce capacity to manage refugee health data effectively.

Institutional Environment, Institutional Arrangements, and Risk Identification and Allocation in Public–Private Partnerships: A Multilevel Model Analysis Based on Data from 31 Provinces in China

As an important part of market-based reforms, the issue of “risk” has always been a part of the public–private partnership (PPP) debate, and the way in which risks are managed determines the sustainability of market-based reforms. This study systematically examines how the institutional environment and institutional arrangements affect the effectiveness of PPP risk identification and allocation. The study aims to establish a multi-source database of all publicized PPP projects in 31 provinces during the period of 2017–2021 in China, and it incorporates different levels of influencing factors, such as the institutional environment and institutional arrangements, into a framework. Through the application of a multilevel model, the impact of the political–institutional structure at the provincial level and institutional arrangements at the social capital and project levels on PPP risk identification and allocation is judged hierarchically. It is found that only social capital at the institutional environment level can directly and positively contribute to the effective identification and allocation of PPP risks, while both the degree of potential market competition and the degree of integration at the project level have a positive effect on its risk profile. In addition, there are cross-level moderating effects, with social capital, government transparency, and government–business relations positively improving risk allocation and identification through the degree of market competition, with no significant coordinating effect on the degree of contractual integration. This study goes beyond the existing one-dimensional risk profile analysis and risk typology to dismantle the “black box” of risk identification and allocation, which is a process of continuous negotiation, and to provide a sustainable governance mechanism for the market-oriented reform of public services in the institutional arena.

Efficient Governance for Indian States using Big Data

Big data integration with e-governance offers revolutionary potential to improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of state government operations in India. In addition to highlighting important research gaps and outlining complete solutions, this article investigates the role of big data technologies in modernizing e-governance frameworks. Our approach includes a comprehensive assessment of the literature as well as the creation of theoretical frameworks for sentiment analysis, data integration, predictive analytics, and real-time data processing. We suggest cutting-edge uses for these frameworks in disaster management, law enforcement, traffic management, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. The findings of this study have implications for better governance, better decision-making, and better public services. The application of these frameworks in pilot projects in different states, comparative analyses to find best practices, and ongoing technological adaptation to changing governance requirements are some of the future paths that these projects will pursue. The research highlights the importance of implementing big data to achieve an efficient, transparent, and flexible government in India.

Nexus of public organization, transparency, and accountability in Indonesia's digital governance

This study examined uniting public organization, transparency, and accountability theories for a holistic understanding of digital government service implementation in Indonesia. This study used a survey data collection method with 424 respondents for employees in four local governments. Questionnaires were generated using a Likert scale. Structural equation modeling‐partial least squares was used to assess the validity and reliability of the data and to test hypotheses and regression models. Following the testing of hypotheses and regression analysis, this study found that variables of employee skills, leadership, regulation, infrastructure, information and communication technology, transparency, and accountability had a positive and significant effect on the variable of digital government service implementation with p‐values of 0.034, 0.025, 0.014, 0.031, 0.009, 0.005, and 0.010, respectively. In contrast, variables of budgeting and bureaucratic structure do not positively and significantly impact the variable of digital government service implementation with p‐values of 0.210 and 0.311, respectively. The influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable was strong (R‐square = 0.834). The limitations and implications of these findings are discussed in the conclusion.

The Governance, Policy, Process, and Capacity of Health Workforce Regulation and Accreditation: Qualitative Policy Analysis and Evidence from Palestine.

The significant health development achieved in Palestine last decades has been lost, in Gaza particularly. This requires fundamental health system reform and rebuilding, including health workforces. Strengthening health workforces involves essential elements: leadership, finance, policy, education, partnership, and management. The current unprecedented catastrophe in Gaza and overall instability in Palestine show the utmost necessity for rethinking and reforming all pillars of the already collapsed health system, including the workforce. Health Workforce Accreditation and Regulation (HWAR) standardizes healthcare evaluations, representing a critical research area in Palestine due to limited existing knowledge. This study aims to enhance understanding of the HWAR in Palestine, and identify gaps and weaknesses, thereby enhancing the HWAR's development and optimization. This qualitative study used an inductive approach to explore the landscape of HWAR. Data were collected from October to November 2019, when 22 semi-structured in-depth interviews - were conducted with experts, academics, leaders, and policymakers purposely selected from government, academia, and non-governmental organization sectors. Data analysis, namely, thematic and ground theory, was performed using Excel and MS programs. The study revealed an absence of transparent governance and ineffective communication within HWAR systems. National policies and guidelines are problematic, with HWAR mechanisms fractured and needing reform. Licensing for healthcare workers hinges on local education, while monitoring and evaluation of HWAR are deficient. Some institutions adhere to HWAR standards, yet widespread updates and applications are necessary. Coordination among educational, accreditation, and practice sectors is non-systematic. Adequate human resources exist, but we need to improve HWAR management. Operational and political challenges limit HWAR, leading to a focus on immediate responses over sustainable system integration. Boosting HWAR is critical for Palestine, especially after the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis that led to the dysfunction of the entire health system facilities. A collaborative strategy across sectors is needed to improve governance and outcomes. It is essential to foster strategic dialogue among academia, regulatory entities, and healthcare providers to enhance the HWAR system. Further study on HWAR's effectiveness is recommended.

Exploring the impact of organizational culture on governance transparency in audit firms: evidence from the United Arab Emirates emerging market

Exploring the impact of organizational culture on governance transparency in audit firms: evidence from the United Arab Emirates emerging market

ЕФЕКТИВНЕ ДЕРЖАВНЕ УПРАВЛІННЯ І НАЦІОНАЛЬНА БЕЗПЕКА В КОНТЕКСТІ DEEP STATE

The article explores the concept of the «deep state» as a key element of ensuring sustainable public administration and national security in war and peace. The author examines global and regional development trends that affect the formation of national security and analyses the mechanisms of power and governance in different countries. Particular attention is paid to the role of informal and closed networks in influencing official policy, which allows for a deeper understanding of the sources of information wars and manipulation of public opinion. The relevance of the study is driven by the need to build a transparent, fair and democratic society, as well as to strengthen democratic institutions and protect the rights and freedoms of citizens. The analysis of the deep state allows us to identify the interconnections between state institutions, the military, intelligence services and big business, which often remain outside democratic control. The author notes that the study of the deep state is important for the protection of democratic values, increasing transparency, accountability and efficiency of governance. Particular attention is paid to the influence of the deep state on the information space and the mechanisms of manipulating public opinion through the media. Understanding these processes contributes to the development of critical thinking and the protection of citizens' rights and freedoms. In the context of globalisation, the concept of the deep state is seen as an important factor influencing international relations, trade policies and economic alliances. The study of this phenomenon helps to predict changes in global politics and the economy, which is important for the development of long-term national security strategies. The term «deep state» is used to describe a network of influential individuals or organisations that can exert significant influence on public policy beyond democratic control. This concept is actively discussed in political debates, causing controversy over its role and influence on political processes.