The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has informed the Fijian Elections Office that it will be closing its investigation into allegations against former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. The allegations involved purported false declarations of Income, Assets, and Liabilities for the years 2014 to 2019, as well as 2022.
FICAC noted that the investigation was initiated following a referral from the Supervisor of Elections earlier this year. The findings indicated that Bainimarama had properly declared his dividend, as well as the value of his shared and term saver accounts where the dividend was deposited.
Additionally, the investigation determined that the income in question is exempt under the Income Tax (Exempt Income) Regulation 2016, which provides exemptions for official allowances paid to parliament members. However, Section 15 (c) of the Income Tax Act states that allowances directly related to the performance of an employee’s duties, such as per diem allowances, are not recognized as exempt.
Ultimately, the investigation concluded that there is insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations made by the complainant.