Opposition leader and President of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Dr. Godwin Friday says his party has a ‘zero-tolerance view and commitment against corruption in public affairs.’

In a message to mark International Anti-Corruption Day which was observed on Saturday December 9, Dr. Friday said he and the NDP are committed to the adherence to the best practices in government that would eliminate corruption.

Saturday December 9, marked two years since the general election on December 9, 2015, which was won by the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP), and Dr. Friday reiterated his party’s stance that ‘serious irregularities were present in the conducting of the elections.’

Attorneys for the NDP have filed an amended motion for inspection of the ballots and counterfoils used in at least one constituency in the 2015 election, as well as a supplemental affidavit in support of the amended draft order being sought by Ben Exeter, the NDP’s candidate in Central Leeward, who has brought one of two petitions challenging the outcome of the vote. The motion comes up for hearing on December 12 and 13.

The opposition leader said they have also been calling for greater accountability by the government in the management of the financial affairs of this country, which would help promote transparency and prevent wastage in the use of government resources.

International Anti-Corruption Day was observed under the theme: United against corruption for development, peace and security.

Corruption is a serious crime that can undermine social and economic development in all societies. No country, region or community is immune.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said on the weekend that every year $1 trillion is paid in bribes while an estimated $2.6 trillion are stolen annually through corruption – a sum equivalent to more than 5 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In developing countries, according to the UNDP, funds lost to corruption are estimated at 10 times the amount of official development assistance.

This year UNODC and UNDP have developed a joint global campaign, focusing on how corruption affects education, health, justice, democracy, prosperity and development.

The 2017 joint international campaign focuses on corruption as one of the biggest impediments to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Taiwan National Day Celebration

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