Port Moresby, January 29th, 2019 – Sincere, honest and real effort is needed by citizens, the public sector, businesses, and political leaders to protect the democracy of Papua New Guinea.  This is the message from Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) during the launch of the 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Papua New Guinea has again been classified as one of the most highly corrupt countries in the world according to the 2018 CPI, a worldwide examination of perceptions of levels of corruption suffered by individual nations. Our nation ranks 138 out of 180 countries with a score of 28 out of 100. The CPI scores countries on a scale of zero to 100, with 100 being perceived to be “very clean” and zero perceived to be “highly corrupt”. The CPI shows a link between corruption and the health of democracies, where countries with higher rates of corruption, like Papua New Guinea, also have weaker democratic institutions and political rights. Under the theme “Corruption and the crisis of Democracy”, the 2018 CPI highlights crucial areas of public sector corruption that are contributing to the weakening of democratic institutions. Stagnation in their performance must be addressed by responsible agencies. Over the years, Papua New Guinea has seen the deteriorating respect for democratic principles. Simply said: There is massive disrespect for rule of law in Papua New Guinea. Public servants and citizens alike lack the integrity to adhere to proper processes and respectful ways of conduct. This was evident in the 2017 National Elections with discrepancies and electoral roll inaccuracy, bribery and intimidation by voters and candidates, … Continue reading PNG SCORES “HIGHLY CORRUPT” ON THE 2018 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX