A Test of Political Will
Editorial
Mauritius’ Stagnation in Transparency’s Corruption Perception Index
Mauritius has once again found itself in a state of stagnation in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2024. With a score of 51 out of 100, the country remains at the 56th position, unchanged from 2023. While this may suggest stability, the lack of progress is concerning, especially given the electorate’s expectations and the growing impatience among the population regarding the fight against corruption.
At first glance, maintaining the same ranking might not seem alarming. Mauritius is still among the top five least corrupt countries in Africa, trailing behind Seychelles, Cape Verde, Botswana, and Rwanda. However, a deeper analysis reveals an uncomfortable reality: Mauritius has been on a downward trend since 2012, when it had a score of 57. This persistent decline signals structural weaknesses in governance and a failure to implement significant reforms.
The CPI measures perceived levels of public sector corruption, drawing on multiple sources, including assessments from the World Economic Forum and the V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy) Index. In Mauritius, both indicators have declined, highlighting institutional fragility and a lack of transparency in governance.
Why Mauritius Has Failed to Improve
Several key factors have contributed to Mauritius’ stagnation in the rankings. A lack of transparency in public procurement over past years remains a major issue, as opaque processes create fertile ground for favouritism, nepotism, and fraud. Without a clear and accessible system that ensures fair competition, corruption risks persist.
Weak oversight institutions further exacerbate the problem. Regulatory bodies and anti-corruption agencies lack the necessary autonomy and resources to function effectively. The absence of robust enforcement mechanisms weakens the fight against corruption.
Political interference in governance is another persistent challenge, with private interests exerting undue influence on public decisions. The blurred lines between business and politics continue to fuel concerns about conflicts of interest.
Additionally, the absence of key legislative reforms—such as a Freedom of Information Act, political party financing laws, and stronger protections for whistleblowers—limits public scrutiny and hinders accountability.Read More… Become a Subscriber
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 14 February 2025
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