Anti-Corruption Advocacy in Fiji

The people of Fiji voted for change in December and elected a new government, ending the 16-year rule of previous coup leader Frank Bainimarama.  Positively the new government’s 100-day plan, which it has already started to fulfil, includes commitments to repeal laws and decrees which undermine human rights, media freedom, freedom of association. But, as one of the few countries in the region with a national anti-corruption agency, its elimination would be a serious step backward for the new administration. Let’s hope that the Fijian government reconsiders its views on FICAC – so Fiji can retain its leadership in the Pacific and the fight against corruption continues.

 In another example of a government toying with the idea of removing key safeguards, the newly elected government of Fiji in its 100 day plan announced plans to phase out Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC).

FICAC is in place to investigate and prosecute public sector corruption, as well as encourage the public to report suspected corrupt activity. Yet it is being reported that the new government considers FICAC redundant and plans to relegate anti-corruption efforts to the police and other law enforcement agencies who reactively investigate and prosecute. Without an independent and central coordinating body to assess corruption’s root causes and try to implement policies to stop it before it happens, this strategy would only accomplish part of what’s needed.

The people of Fiji voted for change in December and elected a new government and prime minister, ending the 16-year rule of previous coup leader Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama.  Positively the new government’s 100-day plan, which it has already started to fulfil, includes commitments to repeal laws and decrees which undermine human rights, media freedom, freedom of association. But, as one of the few countries in the region with a national anti-corruption agency, its elimination would be a serious step backward for the new administration.

Let’s hope that the Fijian government reconsiders its views on FICAC – so Fiji can retain its leadership in the Pacific and the fight against corruption continues.