Bribery and Corruption in Fiji’s Finance: The Fading Promise of Good Governance

Fiji is preparing for its third election since Frank Bainimarama seized power in 2006. As the country heads to the polls, questions are being raised about whether the “good governance coup” has delivered on its promise to address corruption.

Corruption Perception Index

According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Fiji scored 55 out of 100 in 2021, ranking 45th out of 180 countries. While bribery rates are low, with only 5% of respondents saying they paid a bribe to get a service in the previous 12 months, our analysis suggests that anti-corruption efforts in Fiji are facing significant challenges.

Funding Decline

Funding for key state-based anti-corruption organisations is dwindling. Spending on the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and the Attorney-General’s Chambers has declined in real terms over the past decade.

Accountability and Transparency Commission

The government has failed to establish an Accountability and Transparency Commission, as required by the 2013 constitution, despite promises to do so. Instead, a paltry F$20,000 has been allocated for this agency, compared to the F$10.5 million budgeted for FICAC.

Police Corruption

The police force, responsible for investigating corruption cases, also faces corruption allegations itself. According to the Global Corruption Barometer survey, 61% of respondents believe that members of parliament and the police are involved in corruption.

Expert Warning

Experts warn that cuts to key anti-corruption organisations may exacerbate these problems. “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,” said Neelesh Gounder, Senior Lecturer at the University of the South Pacific.

Next Steps

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 already made in the fight against corruption.