Complaints of corruption directed to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) have experienced a notable rise, raising questions about the organization’s capacity to manage its growing caseload effectively. Justice Minister and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga indicated that complaints jumped from 318 in 2023 to 681 in the previous year. However, the first half of 2025 saw a decline to 221 complaints, attributed to the introduction of stricter filtering processes that have redirected non-corruption issues to the Fiji Police Force.
As of June 30, 2025, Turaga reported that FICAC is actively investigating 152 cases. The commission has seen fluctuating numbers of substantive cases awaiting court action, with 173 in 2023, rising to 195 in 2024, and a projected decrease to 170 by mid-2025. Conviction rates have been low, with only nine convictions in 2023, followed by 13 in 2024, and just seven within the first half of 2025.
The Justice Minister highlighted that these low conviction rates are largely due to delays in the court system. Presently, overloaded schedules lead to frequent adjournments, with legal representatives requesting delays of only three to ten days in most cases, unless longer postponements are necessary.
This surge in complaints could represent a growing public trust in FICAC’s commitment to combat corruption. Nevertheless, the increase has put immense pressure on the commission’s resources, emphasizing an urgent need for enhanced support and streamlined legal procedures to effectively address corruption issues. As public awareness campaigns continue to motivate citizens to report corruption, there is a possibility for meaningful changes in governance.
Despite the challenges ahead, there remains optimism. A more vigilant public could be a catalyst for vital reforms, promoting greater transparency and accountability within Fiji’s governance structure. Strengthening FICAC’s resources and refining its processes may eventually contribute to a more reliable and open system of governance in the country.