Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) congratulates Mr. Frank Paulsen, on his appointment as the new Chairman of the Leadership Code Commission (LCC) sworn in on Wednesday, 19th November 2025. Congratulations Mr Frank Paulsen.
Mr. Paulsen’s appointment to this important constitutional position is much appreciated given that this post was left vacant for a while since the lapse of the former Chairman’s term. Constitutional posts such as the Chairman of the Leadership Code Commission should not be left vacant for any period of time. Succession plan must ensure the period that these posts are left unfilled do not go on for too long.
Leaving important constitutional posts vacant is counter-productive to strengthening the country’s governance and integrity systems. The LCC plays a critical role as an independent integrity institution mandated to enforce the Leadership Code Act, investigate misconduct, manage the register of leaders’ financial and non-financial interests, and promote accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct among national leaders and high-ranking public officials.
From his past posts, experiences TSI acknowledges Mr. Paulsen is familiar with the roles, responsibilities, and functions of the Institutions of Integrity and Accountability. His engagement both in the public and civil society sector, his long-outstanding commitment to good governance, legal reform, public accountability, and the fight against corruption are added values that he brings to the LCCC. His leadership experience as a lawyer, a former Chair of the Law Reform Commission, and a former Chairperson of TSI, he begins his appointment as the Chair of LCC with deep understanding of the institutional challenges and opportunities in promoting integrity, ethical leadership in Solomon Islands.
TSI looks forward to a commission that will continue to uphold and strengthen integrity, transparency and accountability of those sitting in positions of power. Through the combined work of the Institutions of Integrity and Accountability there is hope in building back trust in the leadership of Solomon Islands.
TSI while congratulating Mr. Paulsen as he takes on this important post of national responsibility, stands ready to support the ongoing work of the Leadership Code Commission in advancing democracy, transparency, accountability, and good governance for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders. For Solomon Islands to be truly democratic, people and what is for the common good must shape what one does for it to have impact that is positive.