Corruption

"To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage." We are not in favour of corruption. Corruption is defined as the misuse of public office for private gain.

Forms of corruption vary, but include abuses by government officials such as embezzlement and nepotism, patronage and graft, as well as abuses linking public and private actors such as bribery, extortion, influence peddling, and fraud.

Corruption may facilitate criminal enterprise such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and trafficking, it is not restricted to these activities.

Corruption also threatens good governance, sustainable development, democratic process, and fair business practices.

Corruption arises in both political and bureaucratic offices, and can be petty or grand, organised or unorganised.

Corruption poses a serious development challenge by generating considerable distortions and inefficiency.

In the political domain, it can seriously undermine democracy and good governance by flouting or even subverting formal processes.

In the private sector, corruption increases the cost of business through the price of bribes themselves, the management cost of negotiating with officials, and the risk of breached agreements or detection.

Where corruption inflates the cost of business, it also distorts the playing field, shielding firms with connections from competition and thereby sustaining inefficient firms.

Some claim corruption in elections and in legislative bodies reduces accountability and distorts representation in policymaking; corruption in the judiciary compromises the rule of law; and corruption in public administration results in the inefficient provision of services.

More generally, corruption erodes the institutional capacity of government as procedures are disregarded, resources are siphoned off, and public offices are bought and sold.

At the same time, corruption undermines the legitimacy of government and such democratic values as trust and tolerance.

Everything should be done to curb corruption. Because of its horrific effects on society, all arguments should be against it.

The saying goes: "Wrongdoing can only be avoided if those who are not wronged feel the same indignation as those that are."

"Corruption is authority plus monopoly minus transparency."
- Unknown