The Fijian Elections Office has rejected in full a legal demand alleging malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office against the Supervisor of Elections, four FEO officers and the institution itself.
The claim was filed by former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem after he was acquitted by the High Court recently.
In a statement, the FEO confirmed that its legal representative, Krishna & Co Lawyers, formally responded to the demand issued on 29 June 2026, rejecting the allegations as having “no legal or factual basis.”
The Office said the response advises that the proposed claims are “unsustainable in law.”
According to the FEO, its officers acted in good faith and within the scope of their statutory responsibilities at all times.
The legal response states that the demand fails to satisfy the legal requirements needed to establish claims of malicious prosecution or misfeasance in public office.
The FEO also noted that an acquittal in criminal proceedings does not automatically create civil liability for public officers carrying out their official duties.
The statement further emphasised that decisions relating to criminal investigations and prosecutions are made independently by the Fiji Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions under Fiji’s constitutional framework.
It also referred to the statutory protections provided to FEO officers under Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2014 for actions undertaken in the bona fide exercise, or attempted exercise, of their statutory powers, functions and duties.
The Elections Office said it had rejected the demand in its entirety, describing it as “an abuse of process” and alleging that it was “bordering on extortion of monies” against both the FEO and the officers named in the notice.
The FEO said that if legal proceedings are initiated, it and the officers concerned will defend the matter through the courts while continuing to perform their statutory duties.
The Office reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its constitutional and statutory responsibilities impartially, professionally and without fear or favour, adding that maintaining public confidence in Fiji’s electoral system remains its highest priority.
