Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and former Elections Supervisor Mohammed Saneem have been exonerated from allegations investigated by FICAC.
In Mr. Bainimarama’s case, FICAC has closed the investigation into allegations of false declarations concerning Income, Assets, and Liabilities for the years 2014-2019 and 2022. This inquiry was initiated by the Fijian Elections Office in February of this year.
FICAC stated that Mr. Bainimarama had properly declared his dividend as well as the value of his shares and term saver account where the dividend was deposited. The findings indicated that, according to the Income Tax (Exempt Income) Regulation 2016, allowances for official duties, including those paid to Members of Parliament, are exempt from taxation. However, the Income Tax Act specifies that certain allowances, such as per diem, are not recognized as exempt.
The investigation concluded that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations made against Mr. Bainimarama.
Regarding Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum, FICAC cleared him of allegations relating to the failure to declare his overseas travel allowance. The investigation found no adequate evidence to show that he violated the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.
FICAC noted that the Act does not specifically outline what constitutes “Income and the Types of Income” that political office holders are required to declare. Additionally, FICAC recommended that the Fijian Elections Office revise certain areas to prevent similar issues in the future and to enhance clarity and assistance during investigations.