THE recently released Corruption Perception Index for 2023 has highlighted a concerning level of corruption in the Solomon Islands, raising alarms among integrity institutions like Transparency Solomon Islands and calling for combined efforts to address the continuous issue.
According to the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released on Friday by the Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI), which assesses countries on a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being highly corrupt and 100 indicating a very clean public sector, the Solomon Islands scored 43 to 100. This result indicates a worrisome level of corruption, which can have severe implications for the country’s socio-economic development, public trust, and international reputation.
The Chairman of TSI, Rodney Kingmele, when delivering the keynote address, highlighted the alarming findings of the CPI, indicating a serious corruption problem within the country’s public sectors.
He noted that several factors contributed to the weak score, including the lack of delivery by elected politicians and officials on anti-corruption measures, a crackdown on civil society by the government, and restrictions on the freedom of the press, assembly, and associations.
He also emphasized the need for political leaders to recognize and implement measures to address corruption as a major cause of injustice.
“Corruption has long been a deep-rooted issue in the Solomon Islands, and despite previous efforts to combat it, progress has been limited. The 2023 CPI rankings show that urgent action is needed to address the systemic challenges that enable corruption to thrive within the country.
“According to the CPI report for 2023, only 28 out of 180 countries had made progress in the previous 12 years in reducing corruption or making efforts to do so.
“Corruption rates have not decreased despite international efforts to make corruption illegal and create specialized institutions; the Solomon Islands is not an exception. Since 2018, the country’s ranking in terms of corruption has not changed,” the Chairman of TSI, Kingmele, said.
Corruption has long been a deep-rooted issue in the Solomon Islands, and despite previous efforts to combat it, progress has been limited. The 2023 CPI rankings show that urgent action is needed to address the systemic challenges that enable corruption to thrive within the country.
Kingmele revealed that the notable improvement recorded in 2018 was a result of anti-corruption initiatives, such as the establishment of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission against Corruption (SIICAC).
He highlighted the crucial role of the judiciary in fighting corruption and called for increased attention on this sector.
“The justice system plays a vital role in interpreting and enforcing anti-corruption legislation, protecting the rights of citizens, and guaranteeing the rule of law.
“It is essential and timely that the spotlight be turned on the justice sector to emphasize its importance in the fight against corruption,” he said.
Likewise, the released 2023 CPI indicted that the presence of corruption is often linked to several negative consequences, including compromised public services, misallocation of resources, and erosion of public trust in governmental institutions. Such factors contribute to hindering economic growth and deterring foreign investments, impacting the overall welfare of Solomon Islanders.
Various factors contributing to the country’s CPI score are also weak governance structures, a lack of transparency in public procurement processes, ineffective enforcement of anti-corruption measures, and insufficient resources allocated to anti-corruption agencies.
Kingmele has urged the next elected government, which is anticipated to be established following the joint elections in April 2024, to give top priority to reforms that guarantee the autonomy of organizations in charge of accountability and integrity, free from interference from the government.
“In order to address this widespread problem, the government that emerges from the joint elections in April 2024 must give anti-corruption initiatives top priority and implement extensive reforms.
“The next government must prioritize reforms that ensure the independence of institutions responsible for integrity and accountability, free from government influence.
“Strengthening accountability mechanisms, enhancing transparency in public institutions, and improving the rule of law are key aspects that need urgent attention,” Kingmele said.
He added that addressing corruption and promoting good governance are crucial steps for the Solomon Islands to ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for its citizens.
“It is essential for all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and citizens, to unite in their determination to combat corruption and pave the way for a transparent and accountable society.
“As the challenges posed by corruption continue, the Solomon Islands stands at a critical juncture in its fight against this rampant issue. It is hoped that the release of the 2023 CPI will serve as a wake-up call and catalyst for change, propelling the country towards a future characterized by integrity, equality, and prosperity,” he said.
