The Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC) has decided not to pursue charges against Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad, following the closure of a complaint regarding his declaration of income, assets, and liabilities. The complaint, which was initially lodged by Alexander Forwood from Sydney, Australia, alleged that Prasad failed to comply with the declaration requirements outlined in Section 24 of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.
In a formal response to the Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, FICAC disclosed that despite the complaint alleging submission of false information for the years 2014-2020, 2022, and 2023, their investigation, which included an in-person interview with Prasad and a thorough review of documentation, concluded that Prasad’s role as party leader did not explicitly necessitate the disclosure of certain information, specifically regarding his superannuation.
FICAC determined that since the around a decade-long period during which Prasad provided his declarations without disclosing superannuation, there was insufficient evidence to assert that he was informed of any shortcomings in his declarations. They acknowledged that while Prasad’s role aligns him as an office holder under Section 24 of the Political Parties Act, the specific asset disclosures required of him did not demand the inclusion of superannuation details.
Moreover, allegations regarding Prasad’s spouse’s ties to FEMLink Pacific and the Global Girmit Institute, as well as connections with Dr. Ganesh Chand, were also deemed unsupportable as they did not amount to reportable business transactions. FICAC emphasized their commitment to promoting transparency while balancing the potential misuse of their findings in politically motivated disputes.
Despite the closure of the case, the Deputy Prime Minister has faced significant scrutiny from opposition figures, particularly from the Fiji Labour Party (FLP), and the public is expressing demands for accountability. FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry has called for FICAC to expedite investigations into other Cabinet ministers who similarly face complaints, reflecting a growing public desire for accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
This situation underlines the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, especially in political contexts where scrutiny and public trust are paramount. As political parties navigate these complexities, the ongoing discourse emphasizes the need for clear guidelines about declarations to prevent misunderstandings and ensure integrity in public office.
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