Parliamentary engagement in fighting corruption: a discourse on the Parliament of Tanzania
| Date | 29 July 2022 |
| Pages | 1182-1193 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFC-06-2022-0130 |
| Published date | 29 July 2022 |
| Subject Matter | Accounting & finance,Financial risk/company failure,Financial crime |
| Author | Lukiko Vedastus Lukiko |
Parliamentary engagement in
fighting corruption: a discourse on
the Parliament of Tanzania
Lukiko Vedastus Lukiko
Department of Civil and Criminal Law, Mzumbe University, Morogoro,
United Republic of Tanzania
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to examine the participationof the Parliament of Tanzania in the fight against
corruptionin the country.
Design/methodology/approach –A desk-based research approachbased on the review of documents
and legal instrumentswas used.
Findings –The results of thisstudy show that the Parliament of Tanzania has a chequeredperformance in
fighting corruption. Whileit has passed several anti-corruption-related laws and in some respects succeeded
to hold a few government officials accountable for the abuse of public office, there is little evidence to
demonstrate its contribution at fighting this conundrum. Factors contributing to this deficiency include
irresponsivenessto corruption allegations involvingMembers of Parliament, parliament’s remote oversightof
the anti-corruptionagency and shrinking democratic space in the parliament.
Practical implications –Tanzania has relatively high corruption levels. The country’s Development
Vision 2025 envisagesa nation free of corruption. Hence, efforts are neededfrom public and private sectors to
overcome this conundrum. The parliament holds a special place in that fight. Through its representation,
legislative and oversightroles and powers, parliament has a wider opportunity to strengthenanti-corruption
in the country. This studyshows that the Parliament of Tanzania has not been very effective in that regard. It
offers suggestionsto strengthen the parliament’s position and engagementto fight corruption.
Originality/value –There is scanty literature on the role of the Parliament of Tanzania in fighting
corruption. This study is seminal, as it investigates the Tanzanian anti-corruption arsenal from a
crucial organ that is vested with constitutional powers to make laws and oversee the executive and its
agencies.
Keywords Tanzania, Corruption, Parliament, Anti-corruption action, Fighting corruption,
Parliamentary roles
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Parliaments hold a special place in fighting corruption. They are essentially the
citizenry’s primary organ for monitoring and supervising the executive and public
institutions in the administration of public affairs. As representatives of the people,
parliamentarians must be ethically exemplary, upholding the highest standards of
integrity and refraining from conducts which are prohibited by their community
(Chêne, 2017). Drawing from their representative, legislative and oversight functions
and powers, parliaments are expected to be pillars of democracy and good governance.
Hence, there have been growing concern globally for strengthening parliamentary
engagement in fighting corruption. Several organisations including the Inter-
Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against
Corruption (GOPAC) and the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption
JFC
30,5
1182
Journalof Financial Crime
Vol.30 No. 5, 2023
pp. 1182-1193
© Emerald Publishing Limited
1359-0790
DOI 10.1108/JFC-06-2022-0130
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
https://www.emerald.com/insight/1359-0790.htm
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