Ahrar : Latest Independent Figures Highlight Impact of Corruption in Iraq

[Politics.be]

Real Change Needed To Secure a Better Future - AhrarNew figures released Tuesday by Transparency International, the world's leading independent monitor of corruption reveal that since the election of Maliki as Prime Minister of Iraq, corruption has risen to tragically high levels.

In 2005 Iraq was 137th out of 158 nations measured in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index. Not a record to be proud of - but one that has gotten a great deal worse since. Since 2006 Iraq has, in every year, been one of the four most corrupt nations in the world, according to the Corruption Perception Index. Today 180 nations are surveyed. Back in 2005 only 158 were included.

Transparency International's newly released report on global corruption reveals that the government of Prime Minister Maliki is at the core of Iraq's corruption problems.

62% of Iraqis surveyed said that bribery was used to influence government policies, laws or regulations.

"It is an indictment on the government that people feel they have to make bribes to have their voices heard " commented leading Anti Corruption campaigner Ayad Jamal Aldin of the Ahrar movement.

"People are desperate. With the security situation deteriorating and services like electricity and water almost at the point of breakdown they feel they are left with no alternative but to pay twice for the services they desperately need to live their lives. Indeed in the last year:

* 48% of those surveyed said they had paid a bribe to the police
* 48% of those surveyed said they had paid a bribe to the registry and permit services
* 40% of those surveyed said they had paid a bribe to the utilities
* 59% of those surveyed said they had paid a bribe to the land services
* 31% of those surveyed said they had paid a bribe to the medical services

Worst of all, as we approach elections in January, 1 in 2 people say that political parties are somewhat or extremely affected by corruption, and 45% say that the Iraqi Government is somewhat or very ineffective in the fight against corruption.

There is only one answer to this problem: An entirely new government bringing together all our people to build one Iraq.

The choice is simple. More of the same with the coalition of the corrupt or a new direction with Ahrar."
For further information, contact:

Ahrar Media Bureau
[email protected]

Bron: politics.be