Jordan’s Integrity Commission Makes Strides Against Corruption, But Systemic Issues Remain

A Glimmer of Hope: The Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission’s Progress

The Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (IACC) has made significant strides in combating corruption since its establishment in 2008. Born out of the merger between the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Ombudsman Bureau, the IACC has investigated numerous high-profile cases, including embezzlement at a public university and fraud in a civil society organization.

Increased Powers, But Systemic Issues Persist

In recent years, the commission has been granted increased powers, including:

• Financial disclosures: The ability to request financial disclosures from suspects
• Technical expertise: Access to technical expertise from other state agencies
• Extended deadlines: A six-month deadline for issuing decisions on investigations, with an additional six-month extension possible if necessary

Despite these advancements, corruption remains a pervasive problem in Jordan. Wasta, or using personal connections to gain advantages, is widespread throughout the public and private sectors.

Obstacles to Accountability

One major obstacle is the lack of accountability among high-ranking government officials. Ministers and parliamentarians are protected by procedural immunity, making it difficult for the public prosecution to pursue corruption cases against them.

Furthermore, the media landscape in Jordan is restrictive and lacks independence, which hinders efforts to shed light on abuses of power. A free press is crucial for holding those in power accountable, but journalists often practice self-censorship due to fear of reprisal.

Fundamental Changes Required

Experts say that addressing these systemic issues will require more than just strengthening laws and institutions. It will also require fundamental changes to the country’s economic and political structures, including a shift towards greater transparency and accountability.

“The IACC is doing important work, but it can’t solve the problem of corruption on its own,” said Karim Merhej, a former Nonresident Fellow at TIMEP focusing on corruption, socioeconomic inequality, and governance in Lebanon and Jordan. “Systemic economic and political changes are needed to rebuild trust in the state and put an end to the proliferation of wasta and other forms of corruption.”

Only time will tell if the latest round of political reforms in Jordan will be the catalyst for meaningful change.