Attorney General Graham Leung has introduced the Code of Conduct Bill 2025 in Parliament, aiming to enhance integrity, transparency, and accountability within Fiji’s governance framework. The proposed legislation outlines three distinct Codes of Conduct for various public office holders: the Executive Code, the Office Holder Code, and the Parliamentary Code. These codes are intended to instill high ethical standards among officials, ensuring that public welfare is prioritized over personal interests.
Key provisions of the Bill include a mandate for public officials to declare their assets and financial interests, creating a Declarations Register that will be made accessible to the public. This measure is expected to curb corruption and enhance transparency, allowing citizens to scrutinize the financial dealings of their leaders closely.
Moreover, any false or incomplete declarations will be deemed a punishable offense under the Bill. Attorney General Leung emphasized the necessity for public officials to act with integrity and accountability, stressing the importance of respectful service to the populace. “The overarching principles for the three codes of conduct are that public office holders must act with integrity and uphold the public interest,” Leung stated.
The introduction of the Bill also sets the stage for amendments to existing legislation, including the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding, and Disclosures) Act 2013, thereby aligning political regulations with the aims of the proposed legislation. If passed, the Code of Conduct Bill 2025 could represent a significant turning point for Fiji’s governance, addressing long-standing issues of corruption and lack of transparency.
The Bill is slated for debate in Parliament later this week. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed support for these measures, reinforcing a collective commitment to bolstering trust in public institutions and promoting higher ethical standards among government officials. The adherence to these standards is seen as a pivotal step towards creating a more accountable and engaged political environment in Fiji, fostering a healthier democracy.
These efforts signal hope for a revitalized governance structure that prioritizes the public good and encourages greater citizen engagement. As accountability measures take root, a more participatory political landscape may emerge in Fiji, benefiting democracy as a whole.
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