Jordan’s Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission: A Step Forward, But Challenges Remain
Introduction
Amman, Jordan - The Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (IACC) was established in 2008 to address citizens’ grievances with state institutions. Since its inception, the IACC has made significant strides in combating corruption, investigating grand cases, and recovering stolen funds.
Progress Made
The 2016 law that established the IACC expanded the definition of corruption to include additional crimes, such as failure to disclose investments or assets that could lead to conflicts of interest and personal enrichment. The law also imposed fines and prison sentences on those who fail or refuse to comply with the commission’s demands.
In recent years, the IACC has investigated numerous high-profile cases, including embezzlement at a public university and misappropriation of EU funds by a civil society organization. In 2019, cases filed by the IACC had recuperated over 150 million dinars (around $211.5 million).
Challenges Remain
Despite its successes, experts warn that corruption remains deeply entrenched in Jordanian society, with wasta - using personal connections to obtain benefits and advantages - being widespread throughout both public and private sectors.
Additionally:
- Holding officials accountable for corruption is often complicated due to the country’s constitutional framework, which provides procedural immunity to ministers and parliamentarians.
- The lack of a free press capable of shedding light on abuses hinders the fight against corruption.
Limitations
The IACC’s president now has the authority to request assistance from state institutions in its investigative work. However:
- Even with these powers, the commission is limited by Jordan’s authoritarian neoliberal structure, which prioritizes economic interests over democratic reforms.
- The latest round of political reforms may offer a glimmer of hope, but much remains to be seen.
Systemic Change Needed
Experts argue that systemic changes are needed to rebuild trust in the state and put an end to corruption. Karim Merhej, a former Nonresident Fellow at TIMEP focusing on corruption, socioeconomic inequality, and governance in Lebanon and Jordan, stated:
“The IACC has made significant progress, but it is a drop in the ocean. Systemic change is needed to address the root causes of corruption, including wasta and the lack of transparency.”
Recent Amendments
The IACC’s law was amended again in April 2022, giving individuals who engaged in corruption the right to request conciliation if they return all wealth and benefits accrued illicitly or ask for it at the investigation’s initial stages. However:
- Experts warn that these changes may not be enough to address the entrenched nature of corruption in Jordan.
Conclusion
As the IACC continues its work, it remains to be seen whether the latest round of political reforms will bring about meaningful change and rebuild trust in the state.