Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (18 May 2019): PNG, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA:

2019 Walk Against Corruption launched. Transparency International PNG launched 13th Annual Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption on May 16th.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/2019-walk-against-corruption-launched-84312

PNG’s Prime Minister Delays No-Confidence Vote by Adjourning Parliament. A vote of no confidence was slated to take place on May 16 to remove Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill from office.

https://thediplomat.com/2019/05/pngs-prime-minister-delays-no-confidence-vote-by-adjourning-parliament/

PNG PM rewards loyal coalition partners with portfolios.  Mr O'Neill has rewarded main coalition parties who have stayed with him during an ongoing political wrestle as the opposition prepares for a vote of no confidence against him, for example with ministerial seats for Defense, Health, and Transport and Infrastructure.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/389161/png-pm-rewards-loyal-coalition-partners-with-portfolios

 

FIJI:

Winstron Thompson: Leaked Documents Will Be Investigated. An investigation is expected to be carried out by the University of the South Pacific into how a confidential document has been leaked before necessary investigations had been carried out.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/05/15/winston-thompson-leaked-documents-will-be-investigated/

AG, Radrodro and Usamate debate in parliament on Fiji roads and capability of FRA. Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum highlighted that many people who were involved in corruption in the Department of National Roads and the PWD were not taken to task, adding that it is a completely different story.

http://fijivillage.com/news/AG-Radrodro-and-Usamate-debate-in-parliament-on-Fiji-roads-and-capability-of-FRA-9sk2r5

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Foreigner Charged for Alleged Fraudulent Voting. Investigators of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have formally charged a 40-year-old man for alleged fraudulent voting during the recent National General Election.

https://www.solomontimes.com/news/foreigner-charged-for-alleged-fraudulent-voting/9050

 

VANUATU:

Call for prosecution of 19 public servants in Vanuatu.  A Vanuatu commission investigating alleged misuse of funds has called for the prosecution of 19 senior public servants including two MPs as well as the electricity company supplying Port Vila and Luganville.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/389155/call-for-prosecution-of-19-public-servants-in-vanuatu

 

 

To know more about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project please contact the team members:

Annika Wythes, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, annika.wythes@un.org

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

Maria Lee, Peace & Development Administrative Assistant, UNDP/UNODC, maria.lee@undp.org

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