Research: Strengthening religious belief key to wiping out corruption

Findings from a research conducted by Anti-Corruption Commission in Fuvahmulah City show strengthening religious belief was key to wiping out corruption from Maldives

The research was conducted by ACC in April, 2016 to celebrate National Anti-Corruption Day.

The objective of the research was to measure level of awareness regarding corruption, and find out the society’s opinion regarding acts of corruption and the work done by ACC.

Both males and females were provided questions with four multiple answers to choose from for the research.

Research findings show 54 percent of the participants lacked awareness regarding what corruption is, and 51 percent of the participants lacked awareness on what integrity is.

59 percent of participants believed strengthening religious belief was key to wiping out corruption from Maldives.

18 percent of the participants leaned towards stricter penalties for corruption, while 17 percent believed corruption can only be wiped out by promoting integrity, and 6 percent believed corruption can only be wiped out by improving the quality of life.

ACC announced that it will be applying findings from the research for its corruption awareness campaigns and to revise its strategies.

It announced it will be adding religious segments to its awareness program “Viyanudhinimu”.

Research also shows that 51 percent of the participants believed ACC was doing satisfactory work to address corruption in Maldives.

27 percent of the participants believed the power to stop corruption lay in the hands of the State, and the people.

The research sample was taken from Fuvahmulah City, one of the most populous islands in Maldives.