Transcript Document
Governance and Corruption Manzoor Hasan Transparency International Bangladesh Prem Week Conference 2002 June 25, 2002 Washington, DC Bangladesh scenario The Context (1996) •Endemic nature of corruption – but mainly hearsay evidence •Powerful individuals involved •Failure of traditional watchdog institutions •Acute public cynicism Pre-conditions • Individuals with high level of credibility/standing • An indigenous agenda • Involved stakeholders in the process • Team effort • Vibrant printed press • Active NGO sector Initial Phase • Networked with print media • Developed a support base within civil society • Identified ‘champions’ – politics, admin., public • Bold statements on evidence • Sharp reaction/support from crucial sources (President, Press & Public) Expansion -I • ‘Report cards’ as advocacy tools • Involved citizens in monitoring service delivery – not corruption • Initially targeted noncontroversial sectors for intervention (health & education) • Continuous dialogue & monitoring process Expansion - II • Undertook institutional analysis (Bureau of AntiCorruption) • Involved ‘insiders’ • Exploited opportunities-2001 elections-pledge to set-up IACC • Released report with recommendations • Draft bill – to be presented to PM Future Expansion - III • Undertaking other institutional analysis PAC & C&AG • Parliament & Court Watch Reports • Advice & Information Centres • Citizens’ Committees - advocacy Shortcomings • Corruption on political agenda – but still not a concerted effort • Splintered civil society • NGOs – partisan perception • Governance agenda – lack of focus/capacity – too theoretical Shortcomings • Weak milestones – not being able to close the ‘exit’ routes • Donors not singing from the same hymn sheet • Mistakes can be expensive • Inability to read the writings on the wall • Too few ‘champions’ & coalitions • Throwing money to find solutions Keys to Success • Citizens’ participation • Flexibility built into anticorruption programmes – no straitjacket solutions • Ready for ‘windows of opportunity’ – politically savvy • Stress ‘implementation’ • Incentive/reward for systemic change - bureaucracy Warnings • No ‘short-cuts’ • Not a 5-year project • No technical solution • Lack of broad coalitions • Trigger-off major reforms • Need for sustained pressure • Underestimating mis-governance Advice • Look at the big pictureanalytical/institutional studies • Focus on small areas – comparative advantage Advice • Reality check (local input) inception • Greater introspection (involve outsiders) continuously Advice • Better coordination & facilitation (open doors) • Highlight global issues – private sector donation Thank You Website: http://www.ti-bangladesh.org/ Email Address: [email protected]