BRIBING POLITICIANS IS GOOD

If you want politicians to be less corrupt you may just have to bribe them. At least that’s the thinking behind the creation of a new $5 million prize which will be awarded every year to Africa’s most effective leader. “The Mo Ibrahim Prize For Achievement in African Leadership” will rate the governance of 53 African nations and award the president of the best-run country a $5 million dollar prize over 10 years after they leave office, plus an additional $200,000 a year for life after their retirment. Mo Ibrahim told newspapers that much corruption on that continent is due to the fact that African leaders are left with nothing after they leave office. “Suddenly all the mansions, cars, food, wine is withdrawn. Some find it difficult to rent a house in the capital. That incites corruption; it incites people to cling to power... the prize will offer essentially good people, who may be wavering, the chance to opt for the good life after office.” A group from Harvard University will be judging the performance of Africa’s leaders based on who delivers the best security, health, education and economic development. The winner will also need to democratically transfer fower to his successor in order to be eligible for the prize. (BBC)