Financial Transparency Coalition

Kyrgyzstan is a country that has long been riddled with corruption. Endemic graft and nepotism was a major factor in the 2010 revolution that the country underwent, and attempts by the government to tamp down corruption have been largely unsuccessful since. The country completely disbanded the Finance Police, who used to be their anti-corruption watchdog. In a unique exercise in transparency, Kyrgyzstan will this week be broadcasting the entrance exam for a new anti-corruption agency on live television,

The prime minister’s office released a statement upon completion of the first session of 100-minute-long quizzes Monday, naming and shaming the lowest scorer and praising the best performer for answering 95 out of a total of 100 questions.

The tests, to be held over four days, will initially whittle the 1,400 applicants aspiring to join the State Service for Combating Economic Crimes to 400.

After medical examinations, fitness tests and interviews, a group of 177 successful candidates will be admitted to the agency.

Such exercises in transparency are virtually unheard of in a country where many obtain government posts through personal recommendations or by paying bribes.

This type of action is more symbolic than anything, but definitely seems like a step in the right direction.