The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has informed the Fijian Elections Office that it has decided to close the case related to former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. This case involved allegations of submitting false declarations of income, assets, and liabilities for the years spanning from 2014 to 2019 and in 2022.
FICAC noted that the case was referred to them by the Supervisor of Elections in February of this year. The investigation found that Bainimarama had accurately declared his dividends as well as the values of his shares and term saver accounts where these dividends were deposited.
Additionally, the investigation concluded that based on the Income Tax (Exempt Income) Regulation 2016, the allowances in question are exempt. This exemption applies to all official allowances given to members of Parliament.
However, it was highlighted that Section 15 (c) of the Income Tax Act does not recognize any allowances related to the performance of an employee’s duties, which includes per diem allowances. After evaluating the investigation’s findings and the subsequent legal opinion, FICAC determined that there was insufficient evidence to uphold the allegations brought forth by the complainant.