Solomon Islands ranks 73/180 on global corruption index, TSI warns ‘we still have very weak institutions of integrity’
BY NED GAGAHE
Solomon Islands has been ranked 73rd out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), scoring 44 out of 100.
The latest report, launched yesterday, shows a one-point improvement from last year and a climb of three places in the global ranking.
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) Chair, Rodney Kingmele, described the release of the 2025 CPI as a critical moment for reflection, accountability and action.
“Our global ranking has improved to 73rd position out of 180 countries—moving up three places. While this represents movement in the right direction, we must be honest: a score of 44 out of 100 means we are still perceived as having significant corruption challenges that undermine our nation’s development,” he said.
The CPI is the world’s leading measure of perceived public sector corruption, ranking 180 countries on a scale from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
For Solomon Islands, the score is based on assessments from three sources examining issues ranging from bribery risks in business operations to political corruption at the highest levels.
The theme for the 2025 CPI is “The Integrity of Electoral Processes and Their Importance to the Integrity of Political Leadership”.
Kingmele said with the country now in the second year of the GNUT-led government and national elections only two years away, the theme should serve as a wake-up call.
“We must ask ourselves: what guarantees the integrity of our elections?”
“We cannot continue to blame only our representatives — we are equally responsible for where our country is today,” he said.
Within the Pacific region, Fiji scored 55, Vanuatu dropped to 47, and Papua New Guinea fell to 26. Mr Kingmele said Solomon Islands sits in the middle, meaning there are lessons to learn and responsibilities to uphold.
“The Corruption Perceptions Index shines a light on our challenges and illuminates our path forward. We are all responsible for bringing about integrity in our political government.
“Today’s launch is about our collective commitment to build a Solomon Islands where integrity matters, where elections are free from corruption, and where our votes truly count,” he said.
Kingmele said the question is not on whether we can improve but is on whether we courage and commitment to do what is necessary.
Meanwhile, TSI Executive Officer, Ruth Liloqula said the improvement was not significant.
“What it tells us is we still have very weak institutions of integrity that are unable to hold power to account,” Ms Liloqula said.
She added that the slight improvement was largely due to the continued efforts of the media and civil society in the fight against corruption.
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