Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (6 August 2016) – Vanuatu, Nauru, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Fiji

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From the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, a joint initiative of the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, with support from the Australian Government. Updates shared by Mihaela Stojkoska, Luisa Senibulu, and Samita Singh.
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Vanuatu:

Conspiracy case now underway.  The trial has begun in Vanuatu's Supreme Court of 11 former MPs charged with conspiracy.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/310066/vanuatu-conspiracy-case-now-underway


Nauru:

Former MPs to petition court over election 'corruption'.  Several unsuccessful former members of Nauru's parliament are putting together an election petition, claiming some electorates were rigged and voters were bribed in the July 9 election.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/310007/former-nauru-mps-to-petition-court-over-election-'corruption'


Cook Islands:

Opposition Demands Transparency Over MPs Travel.  For over 20 years the costs taxpayers have to carry for travel by politicians have been kept secret by successive administrations, both the Cook Islands Party and the Democrats.
http://www.pireport.org/articles/2016/08/02/cooks-opposition-demands-transparency-over-mps-travel

Convicted MP speaks of shock at verdict.  The convicted Cook Islands MP, Teina Bishop, says hearing the guilty verdict handed down by a jury two weeks ago was like an electric shock.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/310000/convicted-mp-speaks-of-shock-at-verdict


Solomon Islands:

Review strengthens efforts to tackle illegal fishing.  The Ministerial Review undertaken by ministers from member countries of Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has strengthened the efforts to monitor Illegal Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing in the region.
http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/11340-movick-review-strengthens-efforts-to-tackle-illegal-fishing


Fiji:

FICAC investigates complaint regarding a mahogany company’s dealings.  The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption is now investigating a complaint regarding a mahogany company’s dealings.
http://fijivillage.com/news-feature/FICAC-investigates-complaint-regarding-a-mahogany-companys-dealings-rs95k2/

FICAC charges Post Fiji Postal Assistant officer.  The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has charged an officer of Post Fiji Limited at the Suva Magistrates Court.
https://ficac.org.fj/pg_news.php?pg=1100


For more information about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, please get in touch with:

Mihaela Stojkoska, Anti-Corruption Specialist - Pacific, UNDP, mihaela.stojkoska@undp.org

Luisa Senibulu, Governance Programme Associate, UNDP/UNODC, luisa.senibulu@undp.org

Samita Singh, Programme Assistant - Anti-Corruption, UNDP/UNODC, samita.singh@undp.org

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