ACC rejects CPI ranking, cites perception-based methodology
The Maldives scored 39 points in the Corruption Perceptions Index released on Tuesday by Transparency International, ranking 91st out of 182 countries.
Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday rejected the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which reflects perceptions of corruption in public administration across countries.
The Maldives scored 39 points in the Corruption Perceptions Index released on Tuesday by Transparency International, ranking 91st out of 182 countries. While the score marked a one-point increase from the previous year, the Maldives’ position in the index has remained unchanged for the past five years.
Transparency International said the Maldives’ CPI score remains low and cited systemic weaknesses that contribute to corruption, affect public trust, and limit access to justice and public services. It also noted that legal changes have concentrated powers within the executive and increased the risk of state capture.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Anti-Corruption Commission responded publicly to the CPI for the first time. The commission said the CPI does not measure corruption itself but reflects perceptions of corruption.
The commission said the index is published annually based on research conducted by multiple organisations and relies on perception-based data. It added that only three sources were used to determine the Maldives’ score and ranking last year, and that these sources did not directly assess the level of corruption in the country.
The ACC said that, compared to many other countries, fewer sources are used to calculate the Maldives’ CPI score and that it is important for the results to be discussed at the national level.
The commission said it is working to strengthen the national integrity system. It added that it is developing a national anti-corruption policy with assistance from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and is participating in the “Measuring Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Agencies” initiative launched by the International Anti-Corruption Academy.
The Corruption Perceptions Index measures perceived levels of corruption in public administration on a scale from zero to 100, with zero indicating high perceived corruption and 100 indicating low perceived corruption. The index is based on surveys and assessments by experts, and the Maldives’ score is typically derived from three international sources.
