Transparency International’s 2012 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)

11 Jan 2013

Transparency International’s 2012 CPI was published on 5 December 2012. This is available at here. http://cpi.transparency.org/cpi2012/

There are no particular surprises in the ranking of the 10 most corrupt countries:

Click here to view table. http://www.anticorruptionlaw.com/blog.aspx?entry=4505

The 10 least corrupt countries include familiar names also:

Click here to view table. http://www.anticorruptionlaw.com/blog.aspx?entry=4505

It is widely acknowledged in anti-corruption circles that the CPI has its shortcomings, and it is always arguable that some countries should not occupy the positions that they do. Fewer would argue with the countries at the bottom of the list, but it is interesting to observe that countries such as Nigeria who used to feature regularly in that sector have taken positive action to tackle corruption and improved their ratings. But, as TI say in their Introduction to the Index:

“Looking at the Corruption Perceptions Index 2012, it’s clear that corruption is a major threat facing humanity. Corruption destroys lives and communities, and undermines countries and institutions. It generates popular anger that threatens to further destabilise societies and exacerbate violent conflicts….While no country has a perfect score, two-thirds of countries score below 50, indicating a serious corruption problem.

Corruption translates into human suffering, with poor families being extorted for bribes to see doctors or to get access to clean drinking water. It leads to failure in the delivery of basic services like education or healthcare. It derails the building of essential infrastructure, as corrupt leaders skim funds.

Corruption amounts to a dirty tax, and the poor and most vulnerable are its primary victims.

So, how do we counter the effects of public sector corruption?

Governments need to integrate anti-corruption actions into all aspects of decision-making. They must prioritise better rules on lobbying and political financing, make public spending and contracting more transparent, and make public bodies more accountable.

After a year with a global focus on corruption, we expected more governments to take a tougher stance against the abuse of power. The Corruption Perceptions Index results demonstrate that there are still many societies and governments that need to give a much higher priority to this issue.”

TI remains the leading Civil Society Organisation dedicated to the global fight against corruption. As such, its words deserve to be heeded, and given due attention by governments around the world.