The real danger that threatens democracy throughout the world is corruption at a national and international level. But very few governments have resigned on account of scandals because the heads of state have been directly or indirectly involved in doubtful easy-money spinning at the very cost of the state. The opposition parties raised a storm, shouting for the resignation of the concerned governments. Then whipped the very passions of the public – justly, unjustly and sadistically. Ministers resigned but the Prime Ministers or Presidents, eventually stood like a cypress in the vigorous wind, firmly implanted in the soil of power from Tokyo to Paris…

As a matter of fact, no country is free from corruption. In some countries, most specially in the Third World there is a crude, almost primitive form of corruption in the very mismanagement and misappointment of public money. Elsewhere, citizens are being robbed through subtler means and methods. The prudent and clever ones know how to skate and slide on the surface of an icy penal code without a fall. Some do escape in broad daylight after committing major felonies such as breach of trust, embezzlement, bribery… Through the corridors of pelf, power and position the influence peddlers find their way. Does political power lie at the very crossroads of corruption ?

Very often we ask : “Where in the world, and in what period of history has a country been free from corruption ?” Normally, any misapplication of political and administrative power means corruption – directly or indirectly. From Revel’s point of view, whoever is in power cannot claim to be absolutely free from corruption though uncaught. He also voices out that anyone who derives the least financial or material advantage or who distributes gain(s) to one’s friends, colleagues, relatives, relations or supporters is corrupt. He also adds : “When a Minister grants a subvention to an association of dubious utility, even when he observes all the rules in doing so, he is eventually committing an abuse, most specially if it turns out that the beneficiaries of the subvention are his personal or political friiends”… Which country is free from this?

Broadly speaking, societies – primitive, past and present, have taught social and political scientists that corruption is endemic – whatever be the system of government, from the Roman Empire up to the present day. Corruption, though a cause of shame, is seldom viewed as an anomaly. This is no way that corruption should be deliberately tolerated for grandeur and self-aggrandizement. Though corruption cannot be completely eradicated by political messiahs, it has to be minimized in the very name of morality and spirituality .The honest in appearance should be very closely watched and tracked. Those caught must be brought to book.

In truth, decision-makers must avoid creating an atmosphere of suspicion among the people through vague allegations, attacks and counter attacks engendered to disruption and disharmony among the public. The democratic framework is virtually bound to crack where there is a lack of moderation and violation of human personality.

In short, it goes without saying that when the public asks for accountability and transparency, leaders should be very objective instead of acting like gladiators of the Roman Empire. Enlightened leaders are always ready to learn things from their foes instead behaving like wolves ready to tear them to pieces. It should also noted that a leader with a smile is an asset to the country. Let us remember Addison who said “what sunshine is to flowers smiles are to humanity”.

There are plenty of political defects and deformities in our midst. Let there be sunshine again.

<B>Sookraj Bissessur</B>