Global corruption survey: 1 in 4 paid bribe in past year

The Global Corruption Barometer 2013, released on July 9, shows that one person in two thinks corruption has worsened in the past two years.

The world’s largest public opinion survey, conducted by Transparency International, also found people optimistic that they can make a difference and oppose graft.

About 114,000 people in 107 countries were surveyed by Transparency International.

The poll found that about 27 percent of respondents paid a bribe when accessing public services and institutions in the past 12 months.

But nine out of 10 people said they would act against corruption and two-thirds of those asked to pay a bribe refused.

“Bribe paying levels remain very high worldwide, but people believe they have the power to stop corruption and the number of those willing to combat the abuse of power, secret dealings and bribery is significant, “ stated Huguette Labelle, the chair of Transparency International, in releasing the survey results.

The survey also showed:

• Majorities in 36 countries view police as the most corrupt.

• In those countries, an average of 53 percent of people had been asked to pay a bribe to the police.

• Majorities in 20 countries view the judiciary as the most corrupt.

• In those countries, an average of 30 percent of the people who had come in contact with the judicial systems had been asked to pay a bribe.

• In 51 countries, political parties are seen as the most corrupt institution.

• 55 percent of respondents think government is run by special interests.

On the Web…

http://www.transparency.org