Fiji Corruption Perceptions Index score stagnant at 55 for fifth year

Fiji's score in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) has remained unchanged at 55 for the fifth consecutive year.

This signals what experts call "resilience but also stagnation" in anti-corruption efforts.

The 2025 CPI report, released by Transparency International this week, ranks Fiji 49th out of 182 countries, which is the highest among Smaller Island Developing States.

However, the report stated: "Pacific leaders are failing to do enough to reduce corruption, despite their collective commitment to strengthen good governance."

In Fiji, recent controversies have tested the credibility of integrity institutions.

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has faced public scrutiny, and the Commission of Inquiry Report has been mired in disputes.

Joseph Veramu, who works in planning and development, said Fiji faces a critical choice between becoming "a role model of integrity for the Pacific" or stagnating in controversy.

"The score has remained unchanged for five years, signaling resilience but also stagnation," Mr Veramu said.

He noted Fiji's paradox of having strong legislative frameworks but inconsistent implementation.

Despite controversies, Fiji has shown encouraging democratic resilience, Mr Veramu said.

The media has reported freely on corruption scandals without censorship, and the judiciary has demonstrated independence through recent rulings against Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

However, in a statement , FICAC said the CPI "does not constitute a finding of corruption, nor does it measure the outcome or effectiveness of any specific investigation."

"The Commission regards the CPI as a broad indicator that reinforces the ongoing importance of strong integrity systems, effective prevention measures, and public confidence in accountability frameworks."

Fiji's score is above regional neighbors like Papua New Guinea (30), Solomon Islands (36), and Vanuatu (42), but remains below global leaders Denmark (89) and Singapore (84).

Mr Veramu warned that "public fatigue" poses a serious risk to integrity institutions if controversies continue without resolution.

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