Legislation passed in Mauritius to combat corruption and promote good governance could provide valuable lessons for other Commonwealth countries.
Legislation passed in Mauritius to combat corruption and promote good governance could provide valuable lessons for other Commonwealth countries, says Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Josephine Ojiambo.
At a meeting on Wednesday with Roshi Bhadain, Mauritius’ Minister of Financial Services, Good Governance, Institutional Reforms, Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr Ojiambo commended the country’s successful track record and proposed sharing its best practice with other Commonwealth countries.
“I am pleased to hear of the enactment of the Good Governance and Integrity Reporting Act, and I believe that this will excite other Commonwealth countries to learn, adopt and adapt from your country,” she said.
The legislation, which came into force last year, fast tracks criminal justice processes in investigating and prosecuting people involved in corrupt practices and those possessing unexplained wealth, Minister Bhadain said. He added the constitution of Mauritius had been amended to make provision for unexplained wealth.
The Minister said he welcomed the Commonwealth’s support in facilitating an exchange of ideas and initiatives on a wide range of issues including good governance and technology, which he said are vital for sustainable development. “We look up to the Commonwealth as a platform for sharing best practice,” said Mr Bhadain.
Mauritius ranks top in the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance, an annual rating of quality governance in African countries.
The Commonwealth Secretariat has provided technical assistance to the Mauritius Independent Commission on Anti-Corruption in the form of training for the commission’s managers, investigators and prosecutors.
Dr Ojiambo continued: “At the last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta, Heads observed that good governance and respect for the rule of law are vital for stable and prosperous societies, and for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and require efficient, effective and accountable public institutions.”
