NFP wants FICAC stripped of investigative and prosecutorial powers

The National Federation Party (NFP) has called for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to be abolished or stripped of its investigative and prosecutorial powers, arguing the agency has become "highly politicised".

In its submission to the Constitution Review Commission, the party alleged FICAC had focused on investigating alleged breaches of the Political Parties Act and Electoral Act instead of corruption.

The NFP claimed the agency's prosecution and conviction rate was poor and that its resources had been diverted to what it described as minor matters.

The party proposed removing FICAC from the Constitution and repealing or significantly amending its enabling legislation. Under its proposal, FICAC would no longer investigate or prosecute corruption cases and would instead focus on public education and awareness.

It also proposed establishing a specialised forensic unit within the Fiji Police Force to investigate corruption and white-collar crime, saying this would eliminate duplication of resources.

The submission comes as party leader Biman Prasad faces proceedings in the Suva Magistrates Court on one count of failing to comply with statutory disclosure requirements and an alternative count of providing false information in a statutory declaration under the Political Parties Act.

The charges relate to allegations that he failed to declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels and Resorts Pte Limited in his 2015 declaration of assets and liabilities.

The matter is before the court.

The NFP also called for the repeal of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act, arguing it had been used to punish political parties.

The party claimed the legislation was introduced to restrict political parties after the Bainimarama-led Government rejected the draft constitution prepared by the Yash Ghai Commission.

It also proposed introducing a code of conduct requiring political parties to hold annual general meetings each calendar year.

The party further recommended barring principal office holders of political parties wound up or deregistered for unpaid debts from contesting elections or forming another political party.