Press Release
FICAC Conducts First Anti-Corruption Awareness Talanoa Session with a Political Party
Posted by Media Team 23 July 2026
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), through its Good Governance Unit, today marked a historic milestone by conducting its first-ever Anti-Corruption Awareness Talanoa Session with a political party in Fiji.
The engagement was held with the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) as part of FICAC’s ongoing commitment to extend awareness programmes to all registered political parties on corruption prevention, integrity, and the role of political organisations in strengthening public trust and accountability.
Undertaken pursuant to section 12 of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 2007, this initiative also reflects the constitutional rights guaranteed under section 23 of the Constitution, including the right to participate in political activities and the right to free, fair and regular elections.
The session was facilitated by Chief Education and Anti-Corruption Officer Mr Amit Sami, assisted by Manager Complaints and Governance Ms Kolora Naliva, and Senior Education and Anti-Corruption Officer Mr Inoke Drawe.
Participants were briefed on FICAC’s role in Fiji’s governance framework under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the Constitution, the FICAC Act, the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013, and the Electoral Act 2014.
FICAC emphasised that corruption is not only a legal offence but a barrier to development. Globally, corruption drains trillions of dollars from economies each year, stealing opportunities, weakening trust, and blocking progress. For Fiji, investments in infrastructure, education, health, and economic development can only achieve their purpose when public resources are protected from misuse.
Participants were informed of offences relating to elections and political party obligations, including bribery, undue influence, vote buying, misuse of state resources, interference with lawful campaign activities, racial and religious vilification, breaches of campaign regulations, and manipulation of the national voter register.
They were also reminded of the legal requirement for political party office holders to declare assets, liabilities, and business connections.
The Commission reiterated that maintaining electoral integrity is a shared responsibility requiring the commitment of political parties, candidates, voters, institutions, and the wider community to uphold ethical standards and comply with relevant legislation. FICAC emphasised that its mandate is carried out independently, without political interference, ensuring equal accountability for all.
Political parties were encouraged to make integrity a defining commitment in their leadership and manifestos, demonstrating to citizens that they are committed to governing differently. As highlighted during the talanoa, corruption robs nations of opportunities and trust, but integrity builds prosperity.
Through its Good Governance Unit, FICAC continues to conduct awareness programmes and talanoa sessions with registered political parties, communities, civil society organisations, voters, government entities, and other stakeholders to promote a culture of integrity and prevent corruption.
Today’s session marks a historic first for FICAC in engaging directly with a political party, reinforcing the Commission’s dedication to fostering greater awareness, accountability, and transparency within Fiji’s democratic processes.
Let integrity become the foundation of Fiji’s next chapter.
