ATTORNEY General Siromi Turaga issued a statement yesterday announcing the suspension of Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem.

He said the SOE’s suspension by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was conducted on the advice of the Constitutional Offices Commission in accordance with section 137(4) of the 2013 Constitution.

The A-G said the COC received a complaint of misbehavior, warranting Mr Saneem’s removal from office on full pay, pending the appointment of a tribunal.

Mr Turaga said the SOE was given the opportunity to address the complaint prior to the COC’s deliberation yesterday.

Attempts to obtain comment from Mr Saneem were unsuccessful.

“The Commission resolved at its meeting held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, that the complaint needs to be investigated by a Tribunal pursuant to section 137(3)(a)(i) of the Constitution.

“Mr Saneem is suspended pending the appointment of a tribunal and subsequent investigation into the complaint made. Mr Saneem’s suspension is with full pay.

“Mr Saneem was provided an opportunity to address the complaint prior to the Commission’s deliberation yesterday.”

The A-G said in the meantime, “the Directors of the Fijian Elections Office will manage the administrative affairs of the office of the Supervisor of Elections.”