The Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Mechanisms in Palestinian Ministries

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of anti-corruption mechanisms, represented by legislation, official oversight institutions, civil society organizations, and the media in combating and reducing corruption within Palestinian ministries. It also seeks to identify the extent and manifestations of financial and administrative corruption in these ministries. To achieve the study objectives, the descriptive-analytical approach was adopted, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative method involved conducting (8) structured interviews with knowledgeable about anti-corruption efforts. Alongside, the quantitative method was represented by distributing (200) survey lists to citizens in the West Bank.
In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the most widespread manifestations of administrative and financial corruption were nepotism and favoritism in appointments and promotions, locally referred to as “ʿAẓām al-Raqaba.” It further demonstrated the limited effectiveness of existing legislation in combating corruption, alongside citizens’ diminished trust in the legal framework, resulting from the substantial gap between codified provisions and their actual implementation in practice.
Moreover, the enactment of the Cybercrime Law and its arbitrary interpretation led to the blocking of numerous news websites that reported on corruption cases and anti-corruption efforts, which in turn adversely affected initiatives aimed at curbing corruption. In light of these findings, the recommendations highlighted the need for genuine political will to combat corruption, Such political will must be reflected in governmental decisions, including the enactment of a Right to Information Law, which would facilitate the work of oversight institutions, civil society organizations, and the media in promoting transparency and combating corruption.