#acquino

The past 40 years has seen a steady growth in the number of democracies around the world. That has had many implications on former national leaders - not least for their number and youth. But another has been on those whose records in office may not have been exactly blemish-free. Whether it be financial, electoral or human rights, many presidents and prime ministers have been accused of misdeeds over the years. But the wave of democratisation means that the law will eventually catch up with them and they are now more likely than ever to spend time behind bars.

The most recent is Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the former Philippine President, who has been accused of electoral fraud and plunder (in separate cases). Released this week from months of detention in a military hospital, she will continue to try to rebut the cases against her. Although she now sits as a Member of Parliament, her successor, President Benigno Aquino, has made bringing her to justice a major plank of his anti-corruption drive.