The Fiji Independent Commission has notified the Fijian Elections Office that it has closed three files related to investigations referred in September 2023.
FICAC conducted a preliminary inquiry into complaints against the FijiFirst Party concerning several issues.
One complaint involved alleged corrupt practices related to a false declaration by the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, specifically against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Tito Bainimarama. FICAC noted that donations reported by FijiFirst to the Registrar of Political Parties from 2015 to 2022 did not include any from the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, which is a registered entity in Australia.
FICAC also sought additional documentation from complainant Alexandra Forwood, but this was unsuccessful as she could not provide necessary documents or dates related to the alleged corrupt practices.
The inquiry looked into allegations that Tito Bainimarama was linked to former FijiFirst Party Leader Voreqe Bainimarama, but findings revealed no records relating to Tito Bainimarama in key government databases. Thus, FICAC concluded that Tito Bainimarama is not the same person as Voreqe Bainimarama.
Another set of complaints targeted Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Mohammed Saneem, and Ariff Ali for alleged collusion, conflict of interest, and improper donations while being a civil servant. Preliminary findings indicated that neither Sayed-Khaiyum nor Saneem were shareholders of Formscaff (Fiji) Pte Limited and confirmed that the tender process for awarding contracts was appropriately followed.
Further complaints concerned His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh, prompting a preliminary investigation with assistance from the Financial Intelligence Unit. The information provided was sufficient to refute these allegations, and FICAC verified the assets and liabilities as reported.
Ultimately, FICAC determined that there was no evidence supporting the complaints and informed the Supervisor of Elections that the files have been officially closed.