2023 corruption perceptions index

Lacklustre scores indicate inadequate delivery on anti-corruption commitments in Melanesia

THow did the Melanesian countries fare?

HERE is usually a sense of foreboding when the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is released for Melanesian countries as scores are usually lacklustre.

The report reveals yet another year of perceived lack of improvement in the fight against public sector corruption in all four Pacific countries covered by the report –— Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.

Fiji continues to hold the highest score of the four countries, followed once more by Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea holding the lowest score.

What is the CPI?

The CPI is the most widely used global corruption ranking in the world. It measures how corrupt each country’s public sector is perceived to be, according to experts and businesspeople on a scale of 0-100 where 0 means highly corrupt and 100 means very clean.

The data sources which inform the country score are collected by a variety of reputable institutions, including the World Bank and the World Economic Forum.

Putting this year’s score into context

Following the 2022 elections a new government took office in Fiji (52), putting an end to the nearly 16-year rule of the FijiFirst party government headed by Frank Bainiarama.

This period was known for the erosion of institutions, weak democratic norms and an accepted disregard for the rule of law.

Some are only cautiously optimistic about the new government, as it may be too soon to tell if it will foster a more democratic state and take up the fight against corruption.

Its 100-day commitment was seen as ambitious, however, and some positive reform efforts have already started. These include the repeal of repressive media laws and investigations into the conduct of previous elections and former leaders’ alleged abuse of office.

Political leadership integrity tested

Holding the lowest score in the Pacific region, Papua New Guinea (29) continues to stagnate. In 2022, the country experienced what sources called the worst elections in its history.

It undertook a formal review in 2023 to improve future elections. Strengthening its democracy would significantly improve the country’s ability to lower corruption levels.

Vanuatu (48) continues to grapple with political instability exacerbated by natural disasters hindering proposed legal reforms, including on political integrity.

Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer for the Pacific shows that corruption around election processes is prevalent.

Around a quarter of respondents had been offered a bribe for their votes. This has serious consequences for the ability of elections to bring in governments that can be trusted to control and curb corruption.

Linked directly to the integrity of electoral processes and procedures, political leadership integrity at all levels is key to achieving the Blue Pacific 2050 strategy which was endorsed by Pacific Islands Forum leaders.

Political will and concerted efforts are needed to clean up elections and electoral processes and procedures from undue external, and internal influences that has made it so difficult for more women to win elections.

Regional trends

Across the region, the Pacific continues to grapple with the impact of climate change and remains a focal point for geopolitical tensions between China and the West.

While there’s a steady influx of economic, military or financial incentives to support its development and climate goals, many Pacific countries have weak governance systems which some donors overlook, exposing these substantial investments to high risk of corruption.

At the regional level, Pacific leaders continue to demonstrate some commitment to the fight against corruption with the gradual implementation of the Teieniwa Vision.

This set of collective anti-corruption priorities was endorsed by the Pacific Islands Forum leaders in 2021.

Progress has been slow, and there has been limited involvement of regional civil society organisations around this initiative.

Voices from Transparency International Pacific chapters

Pacific civil society, honest politicians and civil servants are working tirelessly to support anticorruption policies and implement effective advocacy strategies.

In most Melanesian nations, governments have made progress through law reform and policy development to meet key global anti-corruption commitments they have signed onto — such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), and relevant targets under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.

The key to fighting corruption is to have NGOs, civil society, the States and the private sector all working together.

Integrity Fiji (NGO in the anticorruption space in Fiji) has recognised the value of collaborating with multiple stakeholders.

Working with the Ministry of Finance in transparent government procurements has helped to ensure that vendors and suppliers are familiar with ethical compliance procedures.

Integrity Fiji is also working closely with Fiji’s anti-corruption agency FICAC and relevant UN agencies to provide best practices on anti-corruption prevention under the provisions of UNCAC.

Transparency International PNG’s recommendations to its national government in 2023 are very relevant for the other Melanesian nations.

Governments need to: strengthen and secure their independent watchdog agencies; improve access to public information; limit private influence by regulating lobbying; promoting open access to decision making; and combating transnational forms of corruption.

The executive director of Transparency Solomon Islands conveyed to Pacific leaders during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders 2023 Dialogue with Civil Society,

“We must continue to work towards protecting democracy through good governance, peace, security, gender equality, disability, and social inclusion in order for all Pacific citizens to lead a free, healthy, and productive life.

Corrupt conduct, and practice diminish all of us and the aspirations of the Blue Pacific 2050 vision. To live in a corrupt free region is to live a fulfilling life.”

Transparency International Chapters in Melanesia are constantly evaluating the effectiveness of their anti-corruption strategies. Many are working with multiple stakeholders to develop and implement policies that curb corruption.

The battle against corruption is not a futile one. Stakeholders in the Pacific are working together to bring about a culture of integrity. The support of all Pacific Islanders is vital in this worthwhile endeavour.

■ JOSEPH VERAMU is a planning and development expert. MARIAM MATHEW is Pacific Regional Adviser for Transparency International. The views expressed are the authors and not necessarily shared by this newspaper.