Saneem confirms counting of ballot papers will not be suspended after joint statement

The Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem has confirmed that counting of ballot papers will not be suspended and will continue.

This statement has come after five political parties issued a joint statement calling on the Supervisor of Elections to suspend counting.

Saneem has reiterated that the Elections Office will only address the concerns raised by the parties if they follow the appropriate procedures.

He said that counting did not stop and polling officers continued counting.

He also said that counting will continue throughout tonight.

Saneem added that the people of Fiji are waiting for the results and the elections office will deliver the results as they are counted.

The Fiji Labour Party, the Social Democratic Liberal Party, the People’s Democratic Party, the National Federation Party and the One Fiji Party have signed a letter asking the Elections Office to suspend the counting of ballot papers or they will not accept the results.

SODELPA’s Mick Beddoes claims that they have some evidence to prove their allegations against the Elections Office.

When questioned on where is the evidence, Beddoes said that they will give this today.

When questioned on what type of evidence these five parties have to prove their concern, Chaudhry said the social media has pictures and they also have statements.

Chaudhry has also accused the Supervisor of Elections on placing a pause on the count of ballot papers yesterday.

Fijivillage can confirm that the count was not stopped today as claimed by Chaudhry.

Chaudhry added the Multinational Observer Group’s comment on the credibility of the election process is their own view.

SODLEPA party leader Ro Teimumu Kepa said they are not doing this because they can’t accept defeat but they want the commission to look into their concerns.

The Political parties have called on the Electoral Commission, the Supervisor of Elections and the Minister of Elections to look into these issues.

FijiFirst General Secretary, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has raised the question on why these parties did not raise any concerns on Wednesday.

Sayed-Khaiyum said the independent assessment from the Multi-National Observer Group is also clear that the election is credible.

Sayed-Khaiyum said some people like People’s Democratic Party President, Lynda Tabuya had said something earlier today but they have changed their tune yesterday.