The legal proceedings involving former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem are nearing their conclusion. The state’s presentation of witness testimonies was completed with the input of Fijian Elections Office Manager Legal, Mesake Dawai, who addressed significant elements of the case.
Dawai’s testimony initially suggested that Saneem had acted in bad faith by demanding the return of a Deed of Variation amid a disagreement with the financial controller. However, he later conceded that there were misunderstandings resulting from missing documentation in Saneem’s records. This prompted a formal police investigation, as the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) lacked the jurisdiction to investigate under the Crimes Act.
During cross-examination by the defense attorney Devanesh Sharma, Dawai clarified that taxes were deducted directly from Saneem’s salary without government subsidy and confirmed that Saneem complied with electoral laws. Despite noting the impartiality of the FEO, Dawai accused Saneem of abusing his authority in asking for certain documents to be returned. He also mentioned that the FEO’s financial resources originated from government funds channeled through the Ministry of Finance’s Consolidated Fund.
Chief Justice Salesi Temo urged Dawai to avoid personalizing the matter and stressed the importance of maintaining thorough records in Saneem’s file. With the witness testimonies complete, the trial is expected to conclude formally after final documentation is submitted on Monday. The defense team, citing prior commitments, has requested an extension to finalize their submissions by that day.
This trial underscores issues of governance, transparency, and accountability within Fiji’s public service, with potential consequences for the public’s trust in electoral processes. It highlights the pivotal role of a transparent judiciary in promoting ethical governance. Observers are hopeful for a resolution that restores public confidence and underscores the significance of adhering to legal and procedural standards.