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Fiji’s Financial Transparency and Anti-Corruption Efforts: A Question Mark Ahead of Elections
As Fiji prepares to go to the polls for the third time since Frank Bainimarama seized power in 2006, concerns about corruption are likely to be at the forefront of voters’ minds. The “good governance coup” was hailed as a way to address rampant corruption and racism, but 16 years on, it’s clear that while there have been some gains, political will towards anti-corruption efforts appears to be waning.
A Mixed Bag of Progress
According to the Worldwide Governance Indicators, Fiji’s Control of Corruption percentile ranking has improved from 60 in 2007 to 67.3 in 2021, outperforming Papua New Guinea but lagging behind Micronesia and Tuvalu. The country scored 55 out of 100 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking better than its Pacific neighbors Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and PNG.
Concerns About Waning Commitment
However, despite these relatively positive results, our analysis suggests that the government’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts is dwindling. Funding for key state-based anti-corruption organizations has been slashed, with the Accountability and Transparency Commission (ATC), established by the 2013 constitution, still waiting for funding.
- The budget allocated F$20,000 for the ATC, a paltry sum compared to the F$10.5 million budgeted for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
- Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum explained that the allocation would not be forthcoming until a bill outlining the commission’s responsibilities was approved by parliament - a situation still unchanged.
Inconsistencies in Funding
Meanwhile, financial support to Fiji’s police force has increased significantly, with spending on law enforcement rising from 4.9% in the 2010 budget to 5.7% in 2020-21. However, the Global Corruption Barometer survey found that more people believed the police, along with members of parliament, were involved in corruption.
Reforms Needed
The government’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts is further questioned by its decision to increase funding for FICAC while cutting support for other agencies. The accountability and transparency commission remains unfunded, despite being established six years ago.
To strengthen Fiji’s anti-corruption efforts, key anti-corruption agencies must be well-funded, staffed, independent, and publicly accountable - a requirement that could be met through multi-stakeholder oversight involving politicians, the business community, and civil society.
The Road Ahead
Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election, the next government will need to quickly establish or re-establish its anti-corruption credentials if Fiji is to build on any gains it has made in the fight against corruption.