Fiji's supervisor of elections, Mohammed Saneem, (in suit) walks media through the main counting centre in the capital Suva. 14 December 2022 Photo: Fiji Elections Office
Fiji's supervisor of elections has been suspended from his position.
Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Siromi Turaga, confirmed on Thursday that Mohammed Saneem's suspension follows a "complaint of misbehaviour" received by the Constitutional Offices Commission.
Turaga said the complaint against the elections chief needs to be investigated by a tribunal that will be appointed.
Until them, Saneem will remain suspended on full pay.
RNZ Pacific's attempts to get comment from him remain unanswered.
Saneem was appointed as the elections supervisor in March 2014.
He has delivered three general elections under the 2013 Constitution.
Last month, he said stepping down from the role would be a personal decision after concerns were raised about his ability to manage the 2022 election.
Sayed-Khaiyum returns
The former Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, is back in Fiji.
He is wanted for questioning by police.
Sayed-Khaiyum, who is the General-Secretary of the FijiFirst party, flew out of the country on Christmas Day following the swearing-in of the new coalition government.
Soon after his departure, the Criminal Investigations Department issued a border alert identifying him as a "person of interest" for allegedly "inciting communal antagonism".
Sayed-Khaiyum was Attorney-General for almost 16 years.
Cabinet approves guidelines for new ministers
Fiji's Cabinet has approved the general "rules and guidelines for ministers" and how they should conduct themselves in the context of decision-making.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said ministers are encouraged to speak freely in Cabinet on any given proposal.
He said policies determined by Cabinet must then be actioned by ministers in their respective ministries.
The Fiji Times reports the PM adding that ministers were public office holders and expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their role as servants of the people.
Rabuka said ministers must not solicit, encourage or accept gifts, benefits or favours in connection with the performance or non-performance of his or her official duties.
