In a democratic society, probity upholds the values of equality before the law and respect for the rights and responsibilities of leaders towards their citizens. On the other hand, probity is a social expectation that citizens have of decision-makers and all those who operate within the state apparatus.

It is a widely held belief that the implementation of standards such as “accountability,” “transparency,” and “responsiveness” will lead to efficient and ethical governance. However, standards alone cannot guarantee ethical behavior. Instead, a culture of integrity and probity in public life is necessary for ethical conduct. The core of ethical behavior lies not only in setting standards but also in implementing them in practice and imposing penalties for their violation.

The need for probity in governance can be understood as:

• Upholding Democracy: Probity in governance helps to maintain the democratic values of transparency, accountability, and fairness. It ensures that elected officials and public servants are working in the interest of the citizens they serve rather than serving their own self-interest or the interests of a select few.
• Promoting Trust: A culture of probity promotes trust between the government and its citizens. When citizens believe that their leaders are acting with integrity and ethical principles, they are more likely to trust the government and have confidence in its ability to govern effectively.
• Preventing Corruption: Probity in governance is an essential tool for preventing corruption. It ensures that public officials are not engaging in corrupt practices such as bribery, embezzlement, or nepotism. When probity is upheld, it creates a strong deterrent against corrupt behavior.
• Ensuring Efficiency: Probity in governance helps to ensure that public resources are utilized effectively and efficiently. It promotes good governance practices such as transparency, accountability, and responsibility, which in turn leads to better decision-making and optimal use of resources.
• Maintaining Public Order: When government officials act with probity, they help to maintain public order and promote social harmony. When citizens believe that their leaders are acting with integrity and are committed to the welfare of the people, they are more likely to respect and follow the laws and regulations set by the government.
• Enhancing Public Participation: Probity in governance encourages public participation in government affairs. Citizens are more likely to participate in the democratic process when they believe that their voices will be heard and that their opinions matter. This, in turn, leads to more informed decision-making and greater citizen engagement in public affairs.
• Ensuring Transparency: A key aspect of probity in governance is transparency. Transparency ensures that government activities and decisions are open to public scrutiny and review. This promotes accountability and helps to prevent corruption by making it easier for citizens to monitor government activities and identify any wrongdoing.
• Promoting Fairness: Probity in governance also promotes fairness and equality. It ensures that everyone is treated fairly and that there is no favoritism or discrimination in government decision-making. This promotes a level playing field for all citizens and creates a sense of trust and confidence in the government’s ability to serve the public interest.
• Strengthening the Rule of Law: Probity in governance strengthens the rule of law. It ensures that laws are applied fairly and impartially, and that government officials are held accountable for any violations of the law. This promotes stability and certainty in the legal system, which is essential for economic growth and social development.