Determinants of Fiscal Transparency and Right to Information Reforms: A Study of Provincial Governments in Argentina

Abstract

Using a novel dataset and conducting a multiple linear regression analysis, this study aims to answer the following research question: What explains the variation in the level of provincial government transparency in Argentina? This article examines two policy areas—fiscal transparency and right to information (RTI)—and tests five hypotheses related to democracy (electoral competition and turnover), government digital capacity, citizens’ internet access, and press visibility. Fiscal transparency is positively associated with electoral competition and population size; RTI law strength appears to be positively associated with gubernatorial turnover and development. However, government digital capacity, citizens’ internet access and press visibility do not appear to significantly influence transparency levels.