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.

Perhaps the most damaging factor is the perceived impunity for corrupt individuals, particularly high-ranking officials from previous administrations, who are not being held accountable. This perception fosters public distrust in the system and undermines confidence in governance.

Public Frustration and the Government’s Dilemma

The new government, elected on a platform of “rupture” and among other things anti-corruption, faces mounting pressure to act decisively. The electorate expects not only strong rhetoric but also concrete actions leading to the prosecution and conviction of corrupt individuals, especially given the palpable public impatience. Many Mauritians believe that justice is taking too long, especially in high-profile corruption cases. The contrast between expectations and the slow-moving legal system is leading to frustration. While the rule of law necessitates due process, the government must find a way to demonstrate its commitment to fighting corruption without compromising legal integrity.

Ironically, some citizens are now urging the new administration to take the kind of aggressive action that they had condemned under the previous government. This contradiction illustrates the complexity of governance—while the people demand swift justice, a democracy operating under the rule of law requires careful and lawful proceedings.

Lessons from Top-Performing Nations

The countries leading the CPI rankings — Denmark, Finland, and Singapore — demonstrate that strong institutions, judicial independence, and a culture of accountability are fundamental to maintaining low corruption levels. Mauritius must learn from these examples and implement reforms that enhance transparency and accountability at all levels.

Denmark and Finland show that strong judicial independence and rigorous anti-corruption laws ensure that no one is above the law. Singapore’s strict enforcement of anti-corruption measures and a merit-based civil service system help minimize opportunities for bribery and favoritism. Similarly, New Zealand and Switzerland maintain high levels of transparency in public procurement and political financing, preventing undue influence from private interests.

Mauritius does not need to reinvent the wheel. It must adopt and adapt best practices that have been proven to work elsewhere.

Breaking Free from Stagnation

To break free from its stagnation, Mauritius must take decisive action in several key areas. Strengthening institutions is essential, and the Financial Crimes Commission must be given full independence and greater powers to investigate and prosecute corruption cases without political interference—unlike the limitations faced by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

Enacting key legislation, such as a Freedom of Information Act, political financing laws, and whistleblower protections, would significantly enhance transparency and accountability. At the same time, enhancing public sector integrity requires public officials to be subject to strict conflict-of-interest regulations and financial disclosure requirements.

Speeding up justice processes is also crucial. While due process must be respected, legal reforms can help expedite corruption cases without compromising fairness. Additionally, engaging civil society and the media is vital, as a free press and an active civil society are crucial allies in the fight against corruption. The government must create an environment where watchdog organizations can operate without fear.

A Test of Political Will

The fight against corruption is ultimately a test of political will. The new government has made bold promises, but promises alone will not be enough. The people of Mauritius demand action, and they will not be satisfied until they see tangible results.

If Mauritius continues to stagnate in the CPI rankings, it risks eroding public trust, discouraging foreign investment, and weakening its democratic institutions. On the other hand, a genuine commitment to transparency and accountability can restore faith in governance and set the country on a path toward greater economic and social progress.

The challenge is clear: Will Mauritius seize this opportunity to break the cycle of stagnation, or will corruption continue to cast a long shadow over its future? The answer lies in the actions taken in the months and years ahead.

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Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 14 February 2025