This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from the European Commission. The Anti-Corruption Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International and funded by the European Union.
Query
Could you provide an overview of corruption and anti-corruption in Fiji?
CONTENT
1. Overview of corruption in Fiji
2. Governance structure and anti-corruption efforts in Fiji
3. References
CAVEAT
Recent literature and in-depth research on corruption and the impact of corruption on specific sectors in the country are limited.
SUMMARY
Fiji is situated below the global average in terms of its performance on international corruption measurement indicators and performs poorly in terms of the rule of law.
Like many Pacific Island Countries, political corruption and nepotism stand out as the main corruption risks in Fiji, whereas citizens’ experience of bribery is low.
The interim government that took power in the 2006 coup used the anti-corruption discourse, together with the defence of multiracialism, to legitimise overthrowing the elected government. It has since systematically weakened the country’s democratic institutions, reduced civil society space, and silenced opponents and the media. Some positive developments are to be noted, however, slowly bringing the country back on the path towards full democracy.
Authors
Sofia Wickberg , Transparency International, [email protected]
Reviewers
Finn Heinrich, Transparency International
Date
05/02/2013
