PNG Among World’s Most Corrupt Nations Ahead of 2027 Poll

PAPUA New Guinea’s democratic standing has come under renewed scrutiny after the country was ranked among the top 30 most corrupt nations globally, just two years before the 2027 General Election.

Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) yesterday released the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), placing PNG at 26 out of 100 — a four-point decline from last year’s score.

 PNG Among World’s Most Corrupt Nations Ahead of 2027 Poll /File Photo: PNG Capital Port Moresby

The CPI assesses 182 countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, using a scale from zero, which represents highly corrupt, to 100, which reflects very clean governance systems. It measures bribery, misuse of public funds, nepotism and the strength of anti-corruption laws, including protections for whistleblowers and journalists.

TIPNG partnerships and policy adviser Yuambari Haihuie said PNG’s latest rating sits 17 points below the global average of 42 and 19 points beneath the Asia-Pacific regional average of 45.

“These are concerning statistics as it shows that we are falling back,” Mr Haihuie said.

He warned that previous trends show a shift in CPI scores leading into election years, raising concerns about what could unfold in 2027.

“The trend shows the change in the CPI score before an election year and this trend can show what we can expect in 2027. The link between corruption and democracy is evident,” he said.

Mr Haihuie outlined several measures he believes must be prioritised, including adequate funding for the Electoral Commission, regular meetings of the Inter-Department Elections Committee, adoption of recommendations from the Special Parliamentary Committee Report on the 2022 General Election, and coordinated planning among law enforcement agencies to address election-related corruption.

TIPNG chief executive officer Arianne Kassman said the pattern in PNG’s CPI performance reflects a recurring electoral cycle.

“The drop in PNG’s 2025 CPI score is not an isolated result; it demonstrates a multi-year trend linked with our electoral cycle,” Ms Kassman said.

“PNG’s scores show a pattern of slight improvement over five years, followed by a sharp decline during election year — a cycle that must be broken to ensure a fair 2027 election. What we do in 2026 will determine the integrity of our democracy in 2027.”