Assessing the effectiveness of the fight against public-sector corruption in Mauritius: Perception v reality. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peerthum, Sheilendra; Gunputh, Rajendra Parsad; Luckho, Takesh
• Is Part Of: International journal of law, crime and justice. Volume 63(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Anti-corruption law -- Content analysis -- Corruption -- ICAC -- Public Sector; Law -- Periodicals; Criminology -- Periodicals; Justice -- Periodicals; Justice pénale -- Administration -- Périodiques; Criminologie -- Périodiques; Sociologie juridique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 340.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlcj.2020.100419
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-0616

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose : The purpose of this research is to examine and analyse public corruption by comparing citizens' assessment of the perceived performance of the anti-corruption agency of Mauritius (ICAC), in terms of its prosecutorial efficacy, and comparing such perception with the reality reflected by court judgments. Design/Methodology/Approach : A survey was carried out using a structured questionnaire, to gauge public opinion on the perceived effectiveness of the ICAC in fighting public corruption. Specific results were then cross-validated against an analysis of court judgments. Findings : The survey findings reveal that citizens have a negative opinion on ICAC's effectiveness and this perception is justified and validated by a content analysis exercise, to confirm poor prosecutorial performance. Originality/Value : The study seeks to sensitise decision-makers on the need to instil public trust by clarifying specific provisions of the anticorruption legislation and adopting a proactive approach by setting up an integrity system within public organisations to address public corruption.