Definition of Political Position

In democratic systems there are two types of political office. Those who are the representatives of the popular will and those who are handpicked by the former. When this occurs, we speak of plug-ins or nepotism. Although it is a reality in many countries, it is a form of corruption.

Those who benefit from this are usually the relatives of politicians, as well as friends or members of the party who must be placed in the public companies of the state.

To camouflage irregular political offices within a administration it is usual that some euphemism is used, as a position of confidence, party advisor or freely appointed position.

Against meritocracy

For someone to hold a position of responsibility In a company or in the administration, the election system should be based on the merits, the capacity of the candidates and the equality of opportunities. Meritocracy incorporates a criterion of objective and reasonable choice and, above all, it is a formula that avoids corruption, since all candidates for a position are valued equally terms. However, in many countries there is a

tradition corrupt in which the creation of political positions in an irregular manner has been normalized.

Patronage in the realm of politics

Nepotism in the sphere politics it has an immediate consequence, the creation of a client network. Thus, the one who fingerprints his own knows that they owe him a debt of gratitude and must somehow repay him the favor. This form of corruption is known as political patronage and is based on a general principle: I give you something and in return you have to return the favor.

Formulas that attempt to combat corruption in politics

The appointment of political positions with clientelistic interests is harmful because it deteriorates the democracy and generates a deep distrust in citizens. For this reason, in some countries mechanisms have been proposed to correct the endemic evil of corruption in politics. Some of the proposed measures are the following:

1) significantly limit the number of advisers and temporary workers who can carry out an activity in the administration,

2) that the hiring public is subject to transparent criteria,

3) make the necessary legislative changes so that public positions are not considered public employees and

4) that the activity of political "advisers" is carried out by public officials and not by hired personnel.

While these and other measures can be effective, political corruption can only be fought with a profound change in the mentality of a people.

Photo: Fotolia - Tatyana

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