BY NED GAGAHE
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) says the country must confront the hard truths about corruption if it is serious about building integrity in leadership and governance.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) yesterday, Chair of TSI, Rodney Kingmele said past scandals show corruption remains deeply rooted in the system.
“We cannot ignore the corruption scandals that have plagued our nation,” he said.
He pointed to the $10 million health procurement scandal in the past, police bribery in criminal investigations, the misuse of the Economic Stimulus Package, ongoing corruption in the logging and mining sectors as examples of corruption.
Kingmele also raised concern over weak oversight of constituency development funds, which he said continues to enable the misuse of public resources.
He adds that corruption has infected the country’s electoral process.
“Voters trade their votes for constituency development funds and grants. Candidates contest elections primarily to access these funds. Votes are sold and bought with cash,” he said.
He further claims that some politicians monetise elections using public funds and foreign money, creating an uneven playing field for candidates.
“Elections without integrity do not provide winners with legitimacy, losers with security, or the public with confidence.
“When there is no integrity in our electoral processes, there can be no integrity in political leadership, and therefore no genuine commitment to fighting corruption,” Kingmele said.
Kingmele said the CPI should serve as a call to action for all sectors of society.
He urges the GNUT-led government and development partners to provide adequate resources to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission to ensure elections are managed professionally, impartially and transparently.
“Every minister, every member of parliament must demonstrate commitment to integrity,” he said.
To the business community, Kingmele describes the CPI as a critical risk assessment tool, saying a higher score signals stronger institutions and reduced corruption risks, making Solomon Islands more attractive to genuine investors.
“Refuse corrupt practices and demand transparency,” he urged.
He also calls on citizens to take responsibility.
“We are equally responsible. Stop voting for money and grants. Stop selling your votes. Stop accepting bribes from candidates, demand accountability.
“Corruption thrives in silence; we must speak out and refuse to accept that ‘this is just how things are done,” he said.
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