Corruption comes in many forms and means different things to different people. However, political corruption is one of the most dangerous white-collar crimes of the modern era. Cases of greedy and selfish politicians, and the abuse of power, are surprisingly common. Political corruption is a global problem, and not just a challenge for developing countries such as the Caribbean. The purpose of the article is to look at political corruption highlighting its many definitions. Bribery, the common type of political corruption, a biblical view on bribery and ways to stamp out political corruption are also addressed.
It is said that political corruption is a cancer that eats away at a citizen’s faith in democracy. Simply put, political corruption is when political decision makers abuse their position to sustain their power, status and wealth. One author added that, “Any official that uses the power of an elected political office for personal gain or for a personal agenda is abusing the trust of that office. Such actions are considered political corruption.” Patricia Scotland, the Secretary -General of the Commonwealth, recently noted that “Corruption is poisonous, corrosive, vicious and an enemy of sustainable development. It destroys people’s confidence in their leaders, their politicians and their country.” Transparency International, a watchdog group against corruption, believes that political corruption hurts development and makes it harder to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in society. In other words, the worse affected from political corruption is the common man. Political corruption may also include elected officials tailoring laws and regulations to the advantage of private sector agents in exchange for bribes.
Bribery is considered one of the most common types of political corruption. By definition, bribery is the act of giving money, goods or services to an official in exchange for favorable treatment. It is reported that between US$ 1.5 to $2 trillion is lost from the global economy in bribes, not counting forgone tax revenues and economic growth. Research illustrates that in countries where bribery is common, the people lack adequate basic needs and proper infrastructure. It is also reported that political corruption widens the gap between the rich and poor. ” It creates a political and social system that favors the wealthy and well-connected which, in turn, leads to inequality”. One study also found that where bribery is prevalent, levels of human development tend to be lower, as money is very scarce for higher education. Put simply, the more corrupt a country is, a selected few benefit while the majority of the population are oppressed. Bribery can also lead to other forms of crimes. Because corruption breeds corruption, it tends soon enough to lead to the creation of collusion among government agencies for evil purposes, and organized criminal groups who use their financial power to infiltrate and corrupt legal businesses. Additionally, in some countries even the police are paid to harass and intimidate persons, thereby impairing the mission and effectiveness of law enforcement.
We don’t have to look very far to find historical accounts where political corruption brought down nations. It is a known fact that the Creator hates political corruption. We do not cite the popular verse, “To whom much is given , much is expected” for nothing. Persons are placed in leadership to look our for humanity and not for their own selfish agenda. The Bibles informs and warns us against corrupt leaders and bribery. Micah 7:3 says, “Corrupt leaders demand bribes. The powerful make sure they get what they want. Whenever they give a bribe they think success will come at every turn”. Scripture also says that , “The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice,” and “one whose heart is corrupt does not prosper”. Proverbs 29:4 adds that, “A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.” “When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans” (Proverbs 29:2). “If you see the extortion of the poor, or the perversion of justice and fairness in the government, do not be astonished by the matter. For the high official is watched by a higher official, and there are higher ones over them!” The Creator sees everything. He has great compassion for the poor and oppressed and usually intervenes when He has seen enough.
So what can be done to overcome political corruption? There can be no compromise regarding corruption. Fighting political corruption is not a one-night affair. In order to battle corruption, everyone needs to get involved. We need to educate the public about the dangerous impact of this scourge. When you see corruption, when you see injustice, you speak up. You don’t just shut up and say it’s none of my business. Martin Luther King Jr. argues that, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” and “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” It is no secret that corruption is the enemy of development, and of good governance. It must be got rid of. Both the government and the people at large must come together to achieve this objective. The Almighty also finds a solution to this disease by removing corrupted leaders from office.
Political corruption eats away at the fabric of society. It undermines people’s trust in political and economic systems, institutions and leaders. It can also cost people their freedom, health, money – and sometimes their lives. Former Vice President, Joe Biden contends, that “corruption is just another form of tyranny”. Political corruption also undermines the rule of law and destroys public confidence in the state and the legitimacy of the political system. A culture of bribery shows to the public that the rules are not applied consistently in line with the law. The poor and oppressed are the ones who feel the ill-effects and negative impact of political corruption. On the other hand, it is the rich and friends of public officials who get preferential treatment. The Bible gives us some sound advice and dangers of political corruption. The downfall of political systems is “the buying and selling of politicians,” is bribery which is the most common type of political corruption. The scriptures says, “Among leaders who lack insight, abuse abounds, but for one who hates corruption, the future is bright.”
