The Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has authorised the release of the following statement regarding the closure of an investigation into a complaint against the former Prime Minister, Mr. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama.
The complaint alleged that Mr. Bainimarama, despite being convicted on 9 May 2024 for the offence of attempting to pervert the course of justice, continued to act as the Leader of the FijiFirst Party and issued instructions to its Members of Parliament.
Mr. Bainimarama was convicted by the High Court on 14 March 2024. On 30 May 2024, he signed a letter titled “Fiji First Letter to the Speaker of Parliament: Re Notice Pursuant to Section 63 of the Fijian Constitution” in his capacity as the Leader of FijiFirst.
FICAC’s investigation revealed that Mr. Bainimarama was served a “Notice of Removal from the National Register of Voters” dated 30 May 2024. However, he did not respond within the required fourteen (14) day period, resulting in his removal from the National Register of Voters on 14 June 2024, in accordance with Section 13 (1) – (4) of the Electoral (Registration of Voters) Act 2012.
Subsequently, the “List of Removed Persons from the National Register of Voters for the period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024” was officially published on 14 February 2025, pursuant to Section 13 (5) of the same Act.
Based on this timeline, FICAC determined that Mr. Bainimarama was still a registered voter and held the position of Office Holder within the FijiFirst Party at the time he signed the letter on 30 May 2024. As such, he was still legally eligible to serve as Party Leader under Section 5(1)(d) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.
Following a thorough review of the facts and applicable law, FICAC confirms that no criminal charges will be initiated against Mr. Bainimarama, as the circumstances do not constitute an offence under Section 27(1)(b) and (c) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.
FICAC reiterates its commitment to acting independently and without fear or favour in all matters.