Jordan’s 2015 CPI results; lessons for the Arab region

Jordan’s improvement on the 2015 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) sets an example for the volatile Arab region.

Jordan, which scored 53 on the 2015 CPI, went up four well-deserved degrees since its 2014 CPI grade of 49.

The country currently ranks third among Arab states.

A closer read of Jordan’s steady improvement in the last two years reflects not only political will, but also a common commitment to enhancing integrity and transparency.

Three key lessons emerge from Jordan’s genuine efforts to improve its good governance indicators, with focus on the CPI.

1. Acknowledging the problem of corruption was part of the improvement. Not so long ago, King Abdullah commissioned the National Integrity Committee to promote a “culture of transparency, accountability and concern for the public’s well-being”.

This was the steppingstone for Jordan’s shift.

After an inclusive process of assessing the situation of integrity in Jordan, the National Integrity Committee developed two key policy documents: the National Integrity Charter and the Executive Plan to Enhance the National Integrity System.

The National Integrity Charter’s opening statement posits that the fight against corruption starts with acknowledging the fact that denial will help no more.

2. Spirit of reform should supersede regional security challenges. Despite heavy security burdens and the spillover effect of the influx of Syrian refugee, economic pressures were not an obstacle to achieving this considerable progress.

The massive influxes of refugees place unprecedented burden on Jordan’s natural resources, public services and budget.

Added to that is an ever-growing pressure to maintain security and stability, yet, Jordan’s 2025 country vision puts commitment to reform at the forefront.

Particularly, Jordan’s vision document singles out the CPI as one of the indicators that Jordan will strive to improve. It plans to reach the 65 mark by 2025.

3. Civil society was key. Indeed, King Abdullah’s fifth discussion paper meant to ensure full partnership between government and civil society.

Managing Director of Transparency International Cobus De Swardt’s visit to Jordan last October emphasised the need to expand the space for civil society organisations to achieve their potential and complement government reform efforts, in line with Article 13 of the UN Convention Against Corruption.

The Rasheed Coalition for Integrity and Transparency, Transparency International’s National Contact Group in Jordan is a full-fledged partner in advancing the anti-corruption agenda.

It believes that there is genuine acknowledgement of this role by many state institutions.

In December 2015, the group was included in bilateral meetings at the Fifth Arab Forum for Asset Recovery, which was held in Tunisia.

In January 2016, the group’s discussions about whistleblower protection and frameworks included members of security and intelligence departments, the police, the prime minister’s office and Anti-Corruption Commission and civil society, to name a few.

The key question is what next?

Following the CPI results, the Rasheed Coalition will hold a specialised technical discussion about the index and how civil society and government can achieve the vision of Jordan’s 2025 document.

While Jordan’s improvement in the CPI suggests positive achievements in the perception of business executives, there are some legislative and institutional challenges that need to be addressed.

This achievement constitutes a heavy burden to sustain. Achieving reform and inclusive partnerships are key to continuing the steady way forward.

The writer is founding member of Rasheed Coalition for Integrity and Transparency, Transparency International Contact Group in Jordan. She contributed this article to The Jordan Times.