FICAC–DPP merger hinges on Constitution

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) says it would welcome any proposal to merge with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), provided it is permitted under the Constitution.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva made the comment in response to a query from Constitutional Review Commissioner Ami Kohli on whether the two institutions could be combined without constitutional amendments.

Ms Tikoisuva said a merger was possible in principle, noting both bodies derive their authority from the Constitution.

“We are creatures of the Constitution. We exist by virtue of the Constitution,” she said.

She said similar institutional arrangements exist in other jurisdictions and could be explored by the Government, the Constitution Review Commission, and other stakeholders — provided they remain consistent with Fiji’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

However, Acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika said in a submission that FICAC’s specialised mandate could not be transferred to the DPP under the current constitutional and legal framework.

Responding to concerns from Constitution Review Commission chairperson Sevuloni Valenitabua about potential duplication of roles, Ms Rokoika said FICAC focused specifically on corruption-related offences, with a limited scope that also covers electoral matters.