Fiji’s Anti-Corruption Efforts: A Diminishing Return on Investment?
As Fiji prepares for its third general election since Frank Bainimarama seized power in 2006, a pressing question remains: have the promises of good governance and anti-corruption efforts yielded meaningful results? Despite some progress made, our analysis suggests that political will towards key anti-corruption organizations is waning.
The Promise of FICAC
The Bainimarama regime’s establishment of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) was hailed as a symbol of its commitment to tackling corruption. However, despite an increase in complaints filed with FICAC since its inception, the agency only responds to a small fraction of them. Moreover, our analysis reveals that government spending on FICAC has been declining, from 0.5% of the budget in 2010 to just 0.12% in 2020-21.
Funding Decline
The Attorney-General’s Chambers, responsible for investigating corruption cases, has also seen its funding decline, from 0.26% of the budget in 2010 to 0.15% in 2020-21. The Accountability and Transparency Commission, established by the 2013 constitution, remains unfunded and has not been approved by Parliament.
Increased Funding for the Police Force
In contrast, the police force has received increased funding, with spending increasing from 4.9% of the budget in 2010 to 5.7% in 2020-21. However, the Global Corruption Barometer survey suggests that corruption is still rampant within the police force and other institutions.
The Way Forward
Experts argue that anti-corruption agencies need to be independent, publicly accountable, and well-funded. Instead, Fiji’s anti-corruption efforts appear to be losing momentum. Whatever the outcome of the upcoming election, it is crucial for the next government to prioritize anti-corruption reforms and ensure that key organizations are adequately resourced.
Expert Insights
As one expert notes:
“Beyond being well funded and staffed, anti-corruption agencies need to be independent and publicly accountable, which suggests the need for multi-stakeholder oversight involving politicians, the business community, and civil society.”
Conclusion
While Fiji has made some progress in tackling corruption, a lack of political will towards key anti-corruption organizations threatens to undermine these gains. It is essential that the next government prioritizes anti-corruption reforms and ensures that these efforts are transparent, accountable, and effective.
Recommendations
- Prioritize anti-corruption reforms
- Ensure key organizations are adequately resourced
- Establish multi-stakeholder oversight involving politicians, the business community, and civil society