Yesterday, Iceland's former Prime Minister Geir Haarde became the first world leader to be charged in connection of the Global Economic Crisis. What is fascinating about the whole episode is the fact that he was not charged with corruption but with criminal negligence! That's right. He will be tried in a criminal (as against to a civil) court for failing to provide good governance. If he is convicted he can face two years of jail.
Can we also take a page from Iceland and try our leaders for criminal negligence? I am sure a large part of the government will be in jail for the CWG fiasco. The best part is you don't even have to prove that the government officials have taken bribe only that they were negligent of their duties. I am sure our constitution can be interpreted in a certain way to find the legality.
The only pitfall that I can imagine for such a practice will be that elections may often lead the new government to lock up the old government in jail leading a vicious cycle. However, there will also be a certain level of responsibility that we can expect from the politicians. After all, as of now we have absolutely no way of punishing them except for removing them from power. This leaves very little incentive for a leader to do good if he can just fill up his pockets in five years and then retire.
The idea should be tried here.
ReplyDeleteBut, how effective do you think this will be, considering how comfortable the Judiciary is in bed with the Legislature.
Of course, cynicism does not imply opposition to the idea :)