Lies and beauty contests

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Economists with the slightest measure of common sense treat statistics with great caution. They have good reason, especially so in developing countries where there are few resources for something that is considered by policy makers as ‘irrelevant’ as statistics.

But in developed countries the statistics that are provided by agencies responsible are often very questionable and depend on political interests of those in power.  A statistic is an attempt to capture a very complex reality in one number and so it is bound to be flawed- but not all statistics are born equal, some are more flawed than others. 

 

Editor's Comment
‘Fake’ drugs: A matter of life, truth and accountability

When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...

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