The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has sent its Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further evaluation. This action follows complaints alleging Abuse of Office during her time as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
In its statement, FICAC also indicated that it has closed five cases referred by the Supervisor of Elections earlier this year, notifying the involved parties of this closure on July 24, 2024. The cases involved the following allegations:
1. Corrupt practices related to false declarations by the FijiFirst Party, specifically concerning the Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Tito Bainimarama.
2. A complaint regarding Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem for alleged collusion, conflict of interest, and Ariff Ali for donating $10,000 to the FijiFirst Party while being a civil servant.
3. Complaints against President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Charan Jeath Singh.
4. Allegations against Voreqe Bainimarama for submitting inaccurate declarations of Income, Assets, and Liabilities for the years 2014 to 2019 and 2022.
5. A complaint against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for not reporting overseas travel allowances.
FICAC has stated that other matters referred by the Supervisor of Elections are still under investigation, and the Commission will refrain from commenting until these investigations are concluded. FICAC emphasizes that it is committed to operating normally and insists that all complaints are addressed with the necessary scrutiny, irrespective of the individual involved.