Fijian Electoral Commission Rejects Saneem's Call for Independent Investigation

The Fijian Electoral Commission has declined a request from former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem to establish an Independent Investigation Committee. Saneem had sought the committee to probe the conduct of four Fijian Elections Office officials.

“

establishing such a committee falls outside its constitutional mandate.

In a statement, Commission Chair Usaia Ratuvili explained that the request falls outside the commission's constitutional mandate. The Commission also acknowledged its awareness of the Chief Justice's findings in a criminal case where Saneem and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum were acquitted on June 26, 2026.

Ratuvili clarified that disciplinary matters concerning the Supervisor of Elections are the responsibility of the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC). He confirmed that Saneem has already filed a complaint with the COC, and the Electoral Commission will defer to that body's constitutionally empowered process.

“

disciplinary matters relating to the Supervisor of Elections are the responsibility of the Constitutional Offices Commission

Regarding the four named officials, the Commission noted that their appointments, terms, and conditions, including removal, are under the Supervisor of Elections' authority and thus outside the Electoral Commission's jurisdiction. While refusing to launch its own inquiry, the Commission reaffirmed its role in overseeing the electoral process and issuing directions as needed. Preparations for the upcoming General Election are reportedly on track.

“

it will defer to the COC process, which it described as the constitutionally empowered mechanism for dealing with such matters.