Political interference in recruitment to State institutions

I wish to draw attention to a matter that strikes at the heart of good governance — political interference in recruitment to state institutions.

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It is no secret that Members of Parliament and other powerful figures often issued letters recommending or requesting jobs for individuals who were their close supporters, regardless of their qualifications, competence and reputation for honesty. A recommendation by itself may not be unlawful. However, when such influence overrides established recruitment procedures, it undermines fairness, transparency, and the principles of equal opportunity. State institutions are funded by the public and are bound to recruit through proper processes — open advertisement, competitive assessments and merit-based selection. If jobs are handed out on influence peddling letters rather than merit, three grave