The 11th Conference of States Parties (CoSP11) to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which concluded on 19 December, delivered an important breakthrough on political finance transparency, while also highlighting ongoing challenges in strengthening global anti-corruption systems.
Delegates agreed on new standards to improve political finance transparency and on the future of the UNCAC country review mechanism. However, progress on several other priorities was limited. Some countries worked to weaken proposals relating to civil society participation, climate, gender equality, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Despite these challenges, CoSP11 marked a major step forward in protecting democratic integrity.
A Landmark Resolution on Political Finance
The Conference adopted a landmark resolution on combating corruption through transparency in political finance. For the first time since UNCAC was adopted in 2003, countries agreed on minimum global standards to prevent anonymous, opaque, and illicit money from influencing political parties and election campaigns.
“This is a historic step forward,” said François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International. “For the first time in 20 years, governments have set minimum standards to keep anonymous, opaque and illicit money out of political parties and election campaigns.”
The resolution has been co-sponsored by 55 countries, demonstrating strong international support for reform.
It establishes a clear principle: citizens have the right to know who funds those seeking their votes.
The resolution calls for:
- Online publication of political donations and campaign spending, including before election day;
- Restrictions on donations from anonymous, foreign-controlled, state-owned, or government-linked entities;
- Measures to prevent misuse of public resources in election campaigns;
- Recognition of women’s participation in political life; and
- Stronger roles for civil society and election observers.
Why This Matters for New Zealand
Although New Zealand has traditionally been regarded as a low-corruption country, recent declines in our Corruption Perceptions Index score indicate weakening confidence in public integrity. Concerns about political donations, lobbying, and transparency have become increasingly prominent.
Current rules still allow significant delays in the disclosure of donations. Voters often learn who funded political parties only after elections. The UNCAC resolution reinforces the expectation that this information should be available before people vote.
Aligning New Zealand’s laws and practices with these emerging global standards helps protect public trust and reduce the risk of undue influence.
Limited Progress on Other Priorities
While political finance reform represents a major achievement, CoSP11 also revealed divisions among states on other anti-corruption issues.
Proposals relating to civil society, climate, gender equality, and sustainable development faced resistance, and in some cases were weakened. This underlines the uneven nature of global progress against corruption.
Transparency International’s Role
Transparency International has advocated for stronger political finance standards for more than two years and provided technical expertise throughout the negotiations.
Looking Ahead
The adoption of this resolution sends a clear message: secrecy in political funding undermines democracy.
For New Zealand, it provides an opportunity to strengthen transparency, rebuild trust, and ensure political decision-making remains fair and open. Maintaining our democratic reputation will require continuous improvement, not complacency.
