Nuku’alofa – Tonga’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), previously criticised for its lack of investigative powers, has turned to the police for help in dealing with 70 complaints lodged ahead of the November 20 general election.

Minister of Police Piveni Piukala confirmed that detectives have been asked to assist the Commission. He said the cases were expected to be addressed before the election and cited a meeting held with the ACC Commissioner earlier this week.

The move comes despite earlier denials from the Commission that it lacked authority. A central issue raised in previous reports has been the ACC’s inability to directly question or interview suspects. It is now obvious that they can’t by now relying on police detectives, whihc means that cases will effectively be shift into police jurisdiction, who have the powers and the process Tonga Independent raised , which raises questions about the Commission’s true capacity to act independently.

Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke, speaking while attending the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Honiara last month, said the complaints included accusations of misappropriation of public funds and breaches of governance protocols by the former Hu‘akavameiliku government. He told RNZ Pacific that evidence of corruption had already been submitted to the Commission. “The proof is already with them, and they are now in the process of reviewing it for submission to the court,” he said.