Transparency International records serious corruption risks in Azerbaijani society
In Azerbaijan, the economy is heavily dependent on oil revenues, and it suffers from corruption, reads the statement of the international organization Transparency International.
“Transparency International Azerbaijan’s assessment highlights serious corruption risks across society. Most alarming is a general weakness of institutions and actors with watchdog functions – civil society, the media and political parties,” reads the document.
As for Ombudsman and Chamber of Accounts, both show an insufficient level of independence and do not make adequate use of their oversight powers as granted by law.
Transparency International notes that regulation of corruption in the private sector is missing. According to the organization, the Azerbaijani authorities should undertake a series of reforms and should ensure an effective system of checks and balances.
The statement also notes that according to Global Corruption Barometer 2013 more than a third of respondents in Azerbaijan believed that business in the country is corrupt or extremely corrupt.