The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has officially closed its investigation into complaints against former Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama. The inquiry centered on allegations suggesting he continued to function as the Leader of the FijiFirst Party after being convicted on May 9, 2024, for attempting to pervert the course of justice.
FICAC’s review revealed that while Bainimarama was indeed convicted by the High Court earlier that year, he maintained his role within FijiFirst, as indicated by a letter he signed on May 30, 2024, which was titled “Fiji First Letter to the Speaker of Parliament.” Despite receiving a “Notice of Removal from the National Register of Voters” on the same day, he did not respond appropriately within the required 14-day timeframe, leading to his eventual removal from the register on June 14, 2024.
Importantly, the findings established that Bainimarama was still a registered voter and an officeholder in the party at the time he signed the aforementioned letter. Therefore, he was deemed legal to act as Party Leader in accordance with the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act of 2013.
Concluding the investigation, FICAC determined that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Bainimarama under the related provisions of the law. This resolution is a continuation of FICAC’s previous decisions involving Bainimarama, where he was also cleared in several other investigations regarding allegations of improper financial declarations.
This series of decisions reflects a commitment to upholding judicial integrity and the importance of thorough legal processes in maintaining public confidence in governance. As such, the closure of these investigations not only affirms Bainimarama’s current leadership role but may also contribute positively to the political climate as Fiji navigates its path towards improved governance and accountability measures.
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