Fiji’s Attorney General Siromi Turaga has confirmed the suspension of the Supervisor of Elections (SoE), Mohammed Saneem.
In a statement issued today, Mr. Turaga said that the SoE was suspended on the basis of a complaint of misbehavior, received by the Constitutional Offices Commission, that warranted his removal from office.
Mr. Turaga did not divulge details of the misbehavior only stating that Mr. Saneem was provided an opportunity to address the complaint prior to yesterday’s deliberation by the Commission during which it decided that an investigation was called for.
“The commission resolved at its meeting held Wednesday, 18 January 2023, that [it] needs to be investigated by a Tribunal pursuant to section 137(3)(a)(i) of the Constitution.”
Accordingly, on the advice of the commission, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere effected the suspension in accordance with section 137(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji.
Mr. Saneem is suspended pending the appointment of a tribunal and subsequent investigation into the complaint made. He will continue to receive full pay, Mr Turaga said.
Meanwhile, the directors of the Fijian Elections Office will manage the administrative affairs of the SoE’s office in Mr Saneem’s absence.
