Bhutan’s Fight Against Corruption: Anti-Bribery and Corruption Regulations in Need of Strengthening
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In a bid to combat corruption, Transparency International has been working closely with anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) around the world. One key partner in this fight is Bhutan’s own Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which has undergone its second assessment since 2015.
Assessment Highlights
The assessment, conducted between September and December 2021, aims to evaluate the commission’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and provide stakeholders with a better understanding of the factors that hinder or enable the agency’s effectiveness. According to the latest assessment, Bhutan’s ACC continues to perform well, with 66% of its 50 indicators rated as high.
Challenges Identified
While there have been modest improvements in terms of resources, reporting, and oversight, the commission has seen a slight decline in detection and investigation efforts. Specifically, too few proactive investigations based on the commission’s own intelligence have been carried out.
Recommendations
To address these shortcomings, Transparency International recommends that the ACC:
- Initiates more proactive investigations in the future, focusing on systemic problems that increase the risk of abuse of power and conflicts of interest.
- Engages all sectors of society and collaborates with external stakeholders on education materials and campaigns, including civil society and the media.
Call for Action
Transparency International also urges Bhutan’s parliament to pass amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act, granting the ACC powers to determine its own organisational structure and regulate staff appointments, management, and dismissal independently of the Royal Civil Service Commission. Additionally, the National Council should prioritize passage of the Right to Information Bill, aimed at increasing transparency across public sector agencies.
Conclusion
The assessment highlights the importance of a strong enabling environment for anti-corruption efforts in Bhutan. By strengthening its regulations and institutional frameworks, the country can better combat corruption and promote good governance.