CHAPTER THREE: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE __________________________________________________________________________ 263. Three years after the official launching on 16 September 2004 of the OLC, which refers to itself as the anti-corruption frame of reference, country visits and meetings with stakeholders all show that the vice is still alive, poisoning all sectors of economic activity and social life, and that it is rampant in the top echelons of government. 264. The ‘green march’ against corruption, in which the head of state himself participated, is a sign of the gravity of the situation, described by Minister Irénée Koupaki in these terms: “Corruption is one of the greatest evils in our society. Over the years it has become endemic, undermining development, eroding our sense of civic responsibility and upsetting our values. Despite the efforts made over the past fifteen years to combat corruption, many Beninese nationals continue to engage without scruples in misappropriation of funds, in tax fraud and in dubious transactions. The extent of corruption is such that today the people have the impression that everyone is tainted, which impacts negatively on their commitment”10. 265. At the end of several discussions with the stakeholders, two conclusions were arrived at:  there is an affirmed and clear political will on the part of the new leadership to fight corruption; and  there are mixed feelings among many of the participants about the actual capacity of the authorities and of society as a whole to eliminate corruption. 266. The CRM is aware of the gravity of corruption in Benin and the immeasurable damage it wreaks on peace and harmony, on the morals and values of the citizens, and on national development and prosperity. It needs action and measures that are tough, bold, daring and exemplary. It demands, most of all, a sense of patriotism at the highest levels of government and among managers in state institutions who will place the national interest and the welfare of the people above selfish interests. The people must be given hope again, and this can only be done through concrete measures that are part of a national policy aimed at equipping them morally to wage an effective war against corruption. iii. Recommendations of the APR Panel 267. The APR Panel strongly recommends that government, Parliament, judicial service officials and judges, traditional authorities, political parties, NGOs, civil society associations, and citizens all swear the citizenship oath to fight corruption by every means. To this end, the panel specifically recommends that government should organise a large awareness-raising campaign to highlight this important issue. The panel recommends that the National Assembly, in strict compliance with the relevant constitutional provisions, should: 10 Preface to the National Anti-Corruption Strategic Plan. 107