The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has confirmed that it has received the referral of the three complaints from the Fijian Elections Office against former FijiFirst General Secretary, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
The referral from the Fijian Elections Office was received on 29th September 2023 and the complaint was then referred for legal assessment.
When asked by fijivillage News on the delay in FICAC's decision, FICAC says it could not proceed further in terms of an investigation due to the sudden demise of the former Commissioner Ratu David Toganivalu.
It says as per the FICAC Act under Section 12 and 13, all investigations and enquiries into suspected or alleged occurrence of an offence are sanctioned by the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner.
FICAC confirms that since the appointment of the Acting Deputy Commissioner in late November 2023, the investigation into the referral has commenced and is currently ongoing, therefore, divulging any further details about the case publicly may jeopardize the outcome of the case.
The Acting Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa has confirmed to fijivillage News that they have received 2 complaints against FijiFirst Party Leader, Voreqe Bainimarama and 3 complaints against former FijiFirst General Secretary, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
Mataiciwa says the complaints are about allegedly making false declarations pertaining to their declaration of assets, liabilities, income and expenditure which are submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties.
She confirms that the complaints against Sayed-Khaiyum were lodged with the Fijian Elections Office last year and were referred to FICAC.
The complaints against Bainimarama are still being verified by the FEO before the next course of action is determined.
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