Draw of candidates numbers will go ahead – Elections Office

The Fijian Elections office has confirmed that the draw of candidates’ numbers will go ahead this hour despite differences in the verdict of the Supervisor of Elections and the Electoral Commission.

Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem said in a press conference last night that the draw will go ahead according to the candidates list released on the 19th of this month as the Electoral Commission’s decision on appeals is out of time.

However, Saneem said they will take legal advice if there are any additions.

An hour later, Electoral Commission Chairman Chen Bunn Young announced that they had made their decision at 2pm yesterday to rule in favor of one objection and one appeal filed.  

He said the writing of reason took time.

The People’s Democratic Party objected against FijiFirst candidate Praveen Bala which was upheld and Fiji Labour Party appealed for their candidate Steven Singh who was allowed to contest the September election by the Commission.

Young confirmed the commission received 11 objections and 10 reviews. 

He said he will meet with the Supervisor of Elections about the decision made by the Commission.

The Commission rejected National Federation Party’s objection against Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Acting Permanent Secretary for Justice Mere Vuniwaqa.

NFP General Secretary Kamal Iyer said that their objections were dismissed on the basis that both Sayed-Khaiyum and Vuniwaqa were not appointed to the position of Supervisor of Elections or the Electoral Commission respectively. 

Iyer said the Commission’s decision is final and cannot be challenged in court.