An independent review of the Marshall Islands parliament has called for significant reforms to improve accountability.
But a majority of the parliament's 33 members didn't show up for a review of the draft assessment that was funded by the United Nations Development Programme as part of a Pacific-wide study of good governance.
The review's author says long term political stability, popular participation in influencing legislation and freedom of speech all contributed to the Marshall Islands receiving a more positive legislative review than a number of its Pacific neighbours.
But UNDP consultant, Jon Fraenkel, says the Marshall Island's government faces serious and widely acknowledged problems of accountability and transparency.
Despite this, only 9 of the 33 members of the Nitijela turned out for the beginning of a two-day legislative session to review ways to improve its operation.
Among the recommendations are calls to enhance the role of the Electoral Office, create a culture of openness, increase women's engagement in politics and recognise the role of the opposition.
