New global report on corruption: Latin America is sinking through Nicaragua, Venezuela and the lack of judicial independence

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The lack of independence of the judiciary is one of the main problems in the fight against corruption in Latin America, according to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) presented by Transparency International (TI). The index shows that all countries in the region, except three, have scores of less than 50 out of 100.

Uruguay, Chile, and Costa Rica are the only countries in Latin America perceived as “cleaner” with scores of 73, 66, and 55 respectively. The United States, Canada and Barbados are also perceived as less corrupt with scores of 69 and 76.

Venezuela, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala were among the most corrupt countries with scores ranging from 13 to 23, highlighting widespread impunity and the total absence of judicial independence. Other countries like Cuba, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Mexico landed in a middle range, but still below the pass mark on the index.

TI’s report emphasized the crucial need for a stronger and more independent judiciary in the region to confront the growth of corruption networks. According to the report, the lack of judicial independence weakens the rule of law, promotes corruption and fosters impunity for the corrupt and criminals.

The report placed hope in newly appointed Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, who ran on an anti-corruption platform. However, there were concerns about a “regressive trend” in Brazil in the fight against corruption in recent years. Additionally, Chile was flagged as a country to watch due to recent cases of corruption affecting political parties and state institutions.

TI also emphasized the need for citizens to demand accountability and exercise their right to vote with conscience, as elections play a crucial role in combating corruption. The index highlighted Denmark as the most transparent country with 90 points, followed closely by Finland and New Zealand. At the bottom of the ranking were countries like Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan, and Yemen, which are going through protracted crises and conflicts.

Overall, the report outlined the urgent need for stronger institutions and a more independent judiciary to guarantee justice and combat corruption effectively.