The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has proposed a major overhaul of the country’s anti-corruption framework, including the replacement of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), as part of its submission to the Constitution Review Commission.
The recommendation was presented on Friday by FCOSS’s youngest National Executive Committee member, Vipin Shahil Maharaj.
In a statement, FCOSS described the proposal as one of its “boldest recommendations,” aimed at creating a more preventive, transparent and accountable system to address corruption and maladministration.
“FCOSS recommends replacing the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption with a more preventive, transparent, and accountable approach to addressing maladministration and leadership complaints,” the organisation said.
The proposal aligns with provisions in the 2013 Constitution, which provides for the establishment of an Accountability and Transparency Commission — a body FCOSS says should now be fully resourced and made operational.
Under the proposed model, the functions currently carried out by FICAC would be redistributed among key institutions.
“Investigation would be transferred to the Fiji Police Force, prosecution to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and anti-corruption activities, awareness, monitoring and learning assigned to the new Accountability and Transparency Commission,” the statement outlined.
FCOSS said the restructuring would strengthen Fiji’s anti-corruption framework by improving institutional independence and reinforcing checks and balances.
“This restructuring would strengthen the overall anti-corruption ecosystem in Fiji, ensuring greater separation of powers, institutional independence, and meaningful access to justice for all citizens,” it said.
The organisation’s submission forms part of wider public consultations on constitutional reform, with FCOSS continuing to advocate for governance systems that reflect transparency, accountability and public trust.
