Financial Crime World

Fiji’s Government Urged to Prioritize Anti-Corruption Efforts Amid 100-Day Plan

The newly elected government of Fiji is facing calls from Transparency International and Integrity Fiji to strengthen the independence and capacity of the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC) instead of phasing it out. According to a 100-day plan, the government has announced plans to incorporate FICAC’s functions into other agencies, sparking concerns over the potential impact on anti-corruption efforts.

Government’s Plan Raises Concerns

The government’s proposal to phase out FICAC and integrate its functions into other agencies has been met with criticism from Transparency International and Integrity Fiji. This move could potentially undermine the country’s anti-corruption efforts and weaken the institution’s ability to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.

Importance of FICAC’s Independence and Capacity

FICAC has been a crucial institution in eradicating corruption in Fiji, and policymakers must identify its root causes and develop a multi-dimensional response to tackle the issue. The investigation and prosecution efforts carried out by law enforcement are exclusively reactive, and therefore shifting all anti-corruption responsibilities to that branch would be insufficient.

Fiji’s Progress in Anti-Corruption Efforts

Fiji scored 53 out of 100 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, released earlier this week, making it the highest-scoring Pacific country. This is in part due to the valuable work of FICAC, which stands as a model for other countries in the region.

Recommendations from Integrity Fiji and Transparency International

  • Ensure FICAC remains operational and retains its independence
  • Increase funding for FICAC, as the previous administration had been reducing its budget
  • Establish a multi-stakeholder mechanism involving politicians, the business community, and civil society to ensure FICAC’s independence
  • Strengthen the capacity of FICAC by providing adequate resources and support

Accountability and Transparency Commission Needs Support

The 2013 constitution provides for the establishment of an Accountability and Transparency Commission, which has also been hindered by inadequate funding. Only by increasing support for these key mechanisms can Fiji continue to lead in anti-corruption efforts in the region.

Quotes from Integrity Fiji and Transparency International

  • “We applaud the new government for committing to repeal undemocratic laws and measures, but they cannot lose sight of anti-corruption efforts. Ensuring FICAC remains operational, retains its independence, and has sufficient capacity to root out corruption across Fiji is crucial.” - Joseph Veramu, Integrity Fiji executive director
  • “The government must prioritize fighting corruption and address bottlenecks that limit FICAC’s work. Only by taking these steps can Fiji continue to make progress in combating corruption.” - Transparency International

By prioritizing anti-corruption efforts and strengthening the independence and capacity of institutions like FICAC, Fiji can continue to lead the region in its fight against corruption.