Solomon Islands is facing persistent corruption challenges, as highlighted by Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) during the presentation of the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The nation recorded a slight improvement in its ranking, achieving a score of 44 out of 100 and moving up three places to 73rd among 180 countries. Despite this progress, TSI chair Rodney Kingmele warned that the score illustrates ongoing corruption issues that hinder the nation’s growth.
With national elections on the horizon in two years, the 2025 CPI’s theme, “The Integrity of Electoral Processes and Their Importance to the Integrity of Political Leadership,” emphasizes the crucial need to tackle these corruption concerns. Kingmele noted that the electoral system has been marred by corruption, with accusations of voters exchanging their ballots for money and candidates focused on accessing public resources rather than addressing genuine needs.
He stressed that the integrity of electoral processes reflects the quality of political leadership, affecting any sincere efforts to combat corruption. According to Kingmele, it is vital for citizens to take responsibility alongside politicians by rejecting practices such as vote-buying and demanding accountability from their leaders.
Despite the modest improvement in the CPI score, Kingmele referred to several scandals that have damaged public trust, such as multi-million-dollar health procurement controversies, allegations of police bribery, and the misuse of development funds. Additionally, he raised concerns about the inadequate functioning of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC), which plays a critical role in enforcing anti-corruption measures.
In the broader Pacific region, Solomon Islands ranks in the middle, surpassing Papua New Guinea but lagging behind countries like Fiji and Vanuatu. Kingmele pointed out that a higher CPI score signifies stronger institutions that mitigate corruption risks, thereby making the nation more attractive to genuine investors. He called on the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) to mobilize resources and demonstrate a strong political will to uphold electoral integrity.
The CPI is recognized internationally as a gauge for public sector corruption, with scores ranging from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Historically, Solomon Islands has hovered in the low to mid-40s, indicating ongoing governance struggles despite promises of reform. Experts have identified structural issues, such as reliance on constituency funds and limited investigative resources, as contributors to the entrenched corruption.
Kingmele presented the latest CPI not merely as an assessment but as a chance for transformation, stating, “The question is not whether we can improve — our one-point gain proves we can. The question is: do we have the courage and commitment to do what is necessary?” He argued that ensuring electoral integrity is essential for rebuilding public trust and nurturing a political environment that genuinely fights corruption. TSI’s appeal underscores a longing for a future in Solomon Islands where integrity prevails, and elections are conducted free from unethical practices.