Bhutan’s Anti-Corruption Efforts Receive International Recognition Amid Challenges
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A Shining Example in the Fight Against Corruption
Transparency International has hailed Bhutan’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as a shining example in the fight against corruption, despite acknowledging room for improvement. The commission scored high marks across 50 indicators, with:
- 66% rated as excellent
- 30% moderate
- 4% low
Commitment to Tackling Corruption
The ACC’s performance was commended by Transparency International, which recognized its commitment to tackling corruption through internal reporting and external oversight mechanisms.
Areas for Improvement
However, the assessment also identified areas for improvement, including:
- A slight decline in detection and investigation rates
- A need to conduct more proactive investigations
- Focus on systemic problems that increase the risk of abuse of power and conflicts of interest
Recommendations for Strengthening Efforts
To strengthen its efforts, Transparency International recommended that the ACC:
- Develop a strategy to engage with all sectors of society, including civil society and the media
- Collaborate more closely with external stakeholders on education materials and campaigns
Additionally, the international anti-corruption watchdog called on Bhutan’s parliament to:
- Pass amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act, granting the ACC greater autonomy in determining its organizational structure, staff appointments, management, and dismissals
- Prioritize passage of the Right to Information Bill, which would increase transparency across public sector agencies
Conclusion
The assessment was conducted between September and December 2021, marking the second evaluation of Bhutan’s ACC since its pilot assessment in 2015. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the commission’s performance, highlighting areas for improvement and offering recommendations for strengthening anti-corruption efforts in the country.