Financial Crime World

Fiji’s Anti-Corruption Efforts Under Scrutiny

Suva, Fiji - The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has been accused of prioritizing prosecution over prevention when it comes to tackling corruption in the country.

Concerns Over FICAC’s Approach

According to sources, FICAC is more focused on arresting and prosecuting suspects without warrants than on preventing corruption from occurring in the first place. This has raised concerns among experts that the commission’s efforts may be ineffective in combating corruption.

Weaknesses in Fiji’s Anti-Corruption Framework

The 2012 Review of Implementation of UNCAC (United Nations Convention Against Corruption) highlighted several weaknesses in Fiji’s anti-corruption framework, including:

  • A lack of sufficiently experienced and trained prosecutors and investigators
  • Qualified forensic auditors
  • Inadequate resources for the Supreme Audit Institution and Ombudsman Office

The Supreme Audit Institution

Fiji’s Supreme Audit Institution, also known as the Office of the Auditor General, was established in 1971. However, its independence has been questioned due to the government’s practice of submitting audit reports directly to the Cabinet rather than making them publicly accessible.

  • The International Budget Partnership has qualified Fiji’s audit office as “weak,” citing:
    • Lack of financial and human resources
    • Limited discretion to decide which audits to conduct

Ombudsman Office

Fiji’s Ombudsman Act 1998 established the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate government departmental abuse and misadministration. However, since the 2009 coup, the office has faced significant resource constraints, making it ineffective in carrying out its duties.

Elections Office

The Elections Office has been dormant since Fiji’s last elections in 2006, but is expected to become functional again once a new constitution is adopted in 2013. The office will play a crucial role in overseeing the country’s upcoming 2014 elections.

Media Freedom

Fiji’s media industry has faced significant challenges, including censorship and restrictions on foreign ownership of media outlets. Reporters Without Borders ranks Fiji 107th out of 179 countries on its Press Freedom Index, citing:

  • The government’s seizure of documents and equipment from newsrooms as a major concern

Civil Society

Civil society organizations have faced severe restrictions since the 2006 coup, including bans on public gatherings and events. However, there are signs that civil society is strengthening, with organizations forming alliances and organizing joint activities to push for democratic reforms.

References

  • ADB/OECD (2011). The criminalisation of bribery in Asia and the Pacific.
  • Chêne, M. (2010). Corruption challenges in small island developing states in the Pacific region, U4.
  • CIVICUS (2010). A civic overview of Fiji: Challenges and opportunities for civil society.

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