The Fiji Independent Commission has notified the Fijian Elections Office that it has concluded three investigations that were initiated in September 2023. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) noted that a preliminary inquiry into certain complaints against FijiFirst was conducted.
One of the complaints involved alleged corrupt practices related to a false declaration by the FijiFirst Party, specifically concerning the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Tito Bainimarama. FICAC found that the list of donations submitted by FijiFirst for the years 2015 to 2022 did not include the Fiji First Australia Association, which is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. FICAC requested additional documentation from the complainant, Alexandra Forwood, but was unable to obtain any necessary documents or details regarding the alleged corrupt practices.
The investigation also examined a claim connecting Tito Bainimarama to former FijiFirst Party Leader Voreqe Bainimarama. However, FICAC confirmed that there are no official records for Tito Bainimarama from the Births, Deaths & Marriages, Land Transport Authority, Immigration, or the Fiji Revenue & Customs Authority, concluding that Tito Bainimarama is not the former leader as alleged.
Additionally, there were complaints about Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem regarding collusion and conflict of interest, as well as accusations against Ariff Ali for making a donation to FijiFirst while serving as a civil servant. Preliminary findings indicated that Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem are not shareholders of Formscaff (Fiji) Pte Limited, and the contract was awarded in accordance with the FEO’s tender process. The Tender Board also followed proper procedures when awarding a contract to Xiarch Solutions Pvt Ltd for the 2022 General Elections.
Another investigation focused on complaints against His Excellency, the President of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh. FICAC sought help from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) regarding the financial details of the three individuals. The information provided by the FIU was adequate to refute the allegations, and FICAC confirmed the assets and liabilities reported in the FIU findings.
Based on the results of the preliminary inquiry and subsequent legal advice, FICAC has informed the Supervisor of Elections that no evidence supports the complaints, resulting in the closure of the investigation files.