Essence of integrity in politics

Solly Rakgomo | Monday October 2, 2023 06:00

Political leadership in many African states is characterised by corruption and impunity where accountability, transparency and rule of law are lacking in many respect.

This has in turn resulted in many local grievances which in many cases have led to some sections of the populations to question the legitimacy of some political leaders.

In fact, many ordinary Africans are fed up with inept attitude and a vulgar display of political rascality by the leadership. Many states are going through a serious governance-development deficits and of recent this has contributed to an upsurge in military coups. In short, political leadership in Africa lacks ethics and integrity, which are vital for good governance, accountability, transparency and the rule of law.

African leaders must understand that ethical leadership is all about the importance of moral values within a country. In politics, ethical leadership is essential to ensure effective governance and protect citizens from corruption or misuse of authority.

Integrity, accountability and transparency are all key components of ethical leadership in politics. Integrity requires elected politicians to act on their beliefs regardless of personal cost or gain; accountability provides them with a mechanism for being held accountable for their decisions, and transparency enables public scrutiny. Together, these principles help ensure that political leaders remain open and honest in all their actions Ethical leadership involves having strong moral standards and carrying out actions that match those beliefs. Ethical leaders strive to be honest, transparent and accountable in their decision-making process.

They act with integrity and fairness while also considering the impact of their choices on others. Ethical leadership is characterised by honesty and trustworthiness. Political leaders of such calibre usually possess empathy, humility, courage, resilience and respect for diversity. Ethical leaders understand the importance of doing what is right even when it is not easy or popular.

They strongly believe in what should be done and aim to make that happen, regardless of external pressures or influences. They take responsibility for their decisions rather than passing the blame onto others, and they value accountability and transparency above all else. This shows that the role of ethical leadership in politics is hugely important, given its implications for society at large.

Political decisions shape our lives in profound ways. Everything from how laws are made to how government funds are allocated is dictated by political decisions, so it is essential that we have the right politicians making these decisions.

Integrity, in the context of ethical leadership, is about sticking to moral principles and consistently demonstrating honesty. Think of it as the ‘moral compass’ guiding a political leader’s decisions and actions. Integrity is especially important in politics because political leaders with high integrity stick to their promises. They uphold their commitments, irrespective of changes in circumstances or potential personal gains. This consistency is a crucial pillar of public trust. After all, citizens want to believe in the words and actions of those they elect to power. This is why citizen-led organisations like No Labels in the USA are trying to mobilise Americans who are frustrated with the politics of the US.

Often, political leaders will not possess all of the traits necessary for ethical leadership unless the people demand that they do. When the public believes a political leader does not possess integrity, this can trigger significant harm. Consider leaders who manipulate facts for personal advantage or engage in corrupt practices. These types of behaviours erode public trust and can disrupt the very fabric of a democratic society. This means that integrity is not just a virtue in political leadership it is a necessity.

Worthy to note is ethical leaders with integrity are accountable to the citizens they lead. Accountability is all about taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions. For political leaders, it means standing by their policies, acknowledging mistakes when they happen, and putting in place measures to prevent them in the future. The importance of accountability in politics is to keep political leaders in check, ensuring they prioritise the interests of the public. An accountable leader knows that every decision made will be scrutinized, and this awareness often guides them toward choices that benefit the wider community. Accountability also plays a central role in building trust. Citizens feel more secure and confident in their political leaders when they see that actions have consequences, and leaders cannot simply escape responsibility for their mistakes or misjudgments.

This accountability is also important as it ensures a transparent leadership and government. Simply put, transparency means openness. It is about making decisions in the light of day, allowing citizens to see the processes and reasons behind political actions. Transparency in governance fosters trust. When leaders are open about their actions and policies, it encourages citizens to engage more actively in the political process. It is a clear signal that leaders have nothing to hide. A lack of transparency breeds suspicion and skepticism. Without a clear view of governmental decisions, citizens may suspect foul play, even when none exists. In the worst cases, it can pave the way for corruption and malpractice.

In summation, one can frankly advise African leaders that integrity, accountability and transparency are all cornerstones of ethical leadership. African leaders must understand that politics thrives on these principles, forming a bond of trust between leaders and citizens. Without ethical leadership in politics, democracy and society overall will suffer. A commitment to these values is not optional, it is essential for effective governance.