Transparency International revealed the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) on Tuesday, shedding light on the prevalence of corruption worldwide. The index, which ranks 180 countries, indicated that over two-thirds of them scored below 50 on the scale, suggesting a significant presence of corruption.
The report underscored minimal advancements in combating public sector corruption, as the global average for CPI remained unchanged at 43 for the twelfth consecutive year. This stagnation highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing corruption on a global scale.
Transparency International’s latest report on the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) highlights a concerning lack of progress in addressing public sector corruption across most countries. With over two-thirds of the 180 ranked nations scoring below 50 on the scale, the prevalence of corruption remains pervasive.
The CPI evaluates countries based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption, with scores ranging from zero (indicating high corruption) to 100 (representing very clean governance).
According to the report, there is a clear correlation between access to justice and corruption, as countries with low scores in the Rule of Law Index also tend to score poorly on the CPI. Both authoritarian regimes and democratic leaders undermining justice contribute to increased impunity for corruption.
Top Performers:
- Denmark retains its top position on the index for the sixth consecutive year, scoring 90, thanks to its well-functioning justice systems.
- Finland and New Zealand closely follow, securing the second and third positions with scores of 87 and 85, respectively.
- Other top-ranking countries include Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg.
Bottom Performers:
- Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan, and Yemen occupy the bottom spots on the index, all affected by prolonged crises, particularly armed conflicts.
- Nicaragua, North Korea, Haiti, Equatorial Guinea, Turkmenistan, and Libya are among the subsequent lowest performers.
Changes Over Time:
- Since 2018, the CPI scores of 12 countries have significantly decreased, including nations across various income levels.
- Conversely, eight countries have witnessed improvements in their CPI scores during the same period.
India’s Position:
- India secured the 93rd position on the CPI with a score of 39, indicating a stable performance compared to the previous year.
- In comparison, Pakistan scored 29, while Sri Lanka grappled with political instability alongside its debt burden, scoring 34.
- Among India’s neighbors, Afghanistan and Myanmar scored 20, China scored 42, Japan scored 73, and Bangladesh scored 24.
The report underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat corruption globally and emphasizes the critical role of governance in promoting transparency and accountability.