The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is implementing measures to reduce judicial delays impacting corruption cases by seeking court adjournments of no more than 10 days. Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga indicated in a parliamentary response that, following directives from the newly appointed Acting Commissioner, FICAC counsel must limit requests for adjournments to between three and ten days, unless the court’s schedule is completely booked.
This decision arises from a pressing need to alleviate backlog issues within the judicial system. Currently, FICAC has 170 corruption-related cases awaiting court hearings, alongside 16 new charges brought forward this year. The Minister highlighted that overloaded court schedules have severely hindered the progress of these corruption cases. As of June 30, 2025, there are still 152 cases under active scrutiny.
Furthermore, the Minister noted a worrying trend in recent convictions, with only seven recorded in the first half of 2025—half the total from the previous year’s figures and down from nine in 2023.
In recent months, FICAC has also seen a notable increase in public engagement regarding corruption complaints. In February 2025, the commission received 43 complaints, with 11 identified as corruption-related. This reflects a slight rise in awareness and willingness among citizens to report corruption compared to the same month in the previous year. The proactive approach taken by FICAC, which includes educational initiatives and targeted investigations, may foster greater public trust and encourage the reporting of corrupt practices, suggesting a hopeful shift towards more integrity and accountability within government frameworks.
FICAC is actively restructuring its operations, including engaging a senior legal consultant to expedite case management and streamline processes. By prioritizing timely prosecution and improving operational efficiency, FICAC aims to strengthen its mandate in curbing corruption while restoring public confidence.
These measures and increased awareness demonstrate FICAC’s unwavering commitment to providing a transparent and accountable governance structure in Fiji. As these changes continue, there is optimism that they will lead to a future with reduced corruption and a robust legal framework that effectively addresses public concerns.