The Electoral Commission of Fiji has formally responded to a request by former Supervisor of Elections Mr Mohammed Saneem, calling on the Commission to establish an Independent Investigation Committee into the conduct of four Fijian Elections Office officials.
The Commission acknowledges Mr Saneem’s letter and is aware of the findings of the Chief Justice in Criminal Case HAC 165 of 2025S, in which Mr Saneem and former Attorney-General Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum were acquitted on 26 June 2026.
After careful consideration, the Commission advises that establishing an Independent Investigation Committee falls outside its constitutional mandate. Disciplinary matters concerning the Supervisor of Elections are properly within the jurisdiction of the Constitutional Offices Commission, and the Commission notes that Mr Saneem has already lodged a formal complaint with the COC, which is the appropriate and constitutionally empowered body to deal with this matter. The Electoral Commission fully defers to that process.
With respect to the other named FEO officials, the Commission further advises that their appointment, terms and conditions, and removal from office fall under the authority of the Supervisor of Elections and not the Electoral Commission. These matters are equally outside the Commission’s ambit.
The Commission acknowledges that it is Mr Saneem’s right to have lodged his complaint with the COC pursuant to Section 137 of the Constitution, and the Electoral Commission will await the outcome of that process.
The Commission wishes to assure Mr Saneem, all political parties, and the people of Fiji that it remains ever mindful of its role as the ultimate custodian of the elections process. The Commission is empowered under Section 8(1) of the Electoral Act 2014 to oversee the work of the Supervisor of Elections and to issue directions and instructions to any incumbent of that office in the performance of their duties. Preparations for the General Elections are well underway and the Commission is ensuring that everything is well in hand before Fiji goes to the Polls.
