The most negative side effect of all this is that during such machinations the level of corruption in the country increases at the highest levels, which further spreads to other spheres of government.
Even developed countries face this, but in less developed countries it is a much more serious problem because these countries themselves are poor and the living standards of the population are low.
In the developing countries, there's more under the table than following the regulations. Some officials show that they are the law and don't have to go that far because they are scaring their subordinates and show how superior they are.
I think that process won't be changed if the officials are benefiting on it. That won't stop unless there's a higher official that want this to stop.