June 4, 2019
Judiciary independence is a prerequisite to sustain development and fight corruption.
Proper and adequate separation among the branches of government (Judiciary, Legislature, and Executive) is a must to govern in the best interest of the citizens. This is a well-known and proven practice of governance. Therefore, when independence does not prevail among the branches of government, the governance system deteriorates over time. As a result, when the judiciary lacks its independence, corruption permeates and destroys the basic fabric of the society.
In most of the Arab and African countries, the judiciary branch of government fights for its independence.
On May 31, 2019, Judge Amani Salameh, the President of the Lebanese Judges Association, delivered a significant speech entitled “Independence of the Judiciary: Challenges and Solutions.” The speech is posted on the Association’s Facebook page (Click here to read the entire speech). Her Excellency articulates and asserts the dependence of the effective fight against corruption on the independence of the judiciary. Calling for the Judiciary’s independence is bound to encourage highly qualified professionals to reach decision making leadership positions, relying on competence instead of catering to political sides and favoritism.
I, therefore, concur with Judge Amani Salame on her explanation of the casual and direct relationship between the effective combat against corruption and the independence of the Judiciary. [note]Read the opinion of Ms. Gina Chammas entitled: NO Budget without Real Reform – No Budget without the Independence of the Judiciary Authority on https://blog.theaaci.com/judicial-independence/ [/note]
The AACI refers to the speech in Arabic at this time and shall provide a translated version to French and English within a few days.
The American Anti-Corruption Institute (AACI) unequivocally supports the independence of the judiciary branch of government in all countries. I believe that those who do not want to have an independent judiciary in their communities are most likely contributing to the current high levels of corruption in their countries.
Mike J. Masoud, CPA, CACM CFE, MBA
Sr. Director of The AACI
The Middle East and Africa
Mike@THEAACI.com
