New Study Reveals First Cross Pacific Corruption Barometer

The first ever Cross Pacific Corruption Barometer was conducted in ten Pacific countries and territories. More than six thousand people were interviewed in the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

The result released today from Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer (GCB) is the largest, most detailed, survey of corruption in the region – how people experience it, whether they feel corruption is on the rise, and what they think are the most urgent problems.

The survey reveals that Pacific people in the Pacific believe that corruption is a big problem in both their governments and business sectors.

Key Findings
  • Corruption is frequently a problem in both government and business throughout the Pacific
  • Many government-business relationships lack integrity
  • Corrupt officials often go unpunished
  • Corruption in public services is common
  • Uneven access to public services drives corruption
  • Political integrity is low, particularly around elections
  • Sexual extortion – or sextortion – is a very concerning issue
  • People support their Governments’ anti corruption efforts
  • Citizens believe they can help stop corruption

Chair of Transparency International New Zealand Anne Tolley says, “this Pacific Corruption Barometer is a great resource for Pacific nations because it is the voices of their people.

Leaders across the region now have concrete data from their own citizens. We hope they build on the steps they are already taking and the commitments they have made to transparency and fairness.” adds Ms Tolley.

New Zealand and Australia are not included in this survey.

Compare the results of the Global Corruption Barometer Pacific 2021 here.

Image credit: Photo by cottonbro from Pexels