Saneem says party agents can stand next next to the tables to observe counting of ballot papers

The leaders of six registered political parties, Freedom Alliance, Fiji Labour Party, National Federation Party, People’s Democratic Party, Social Democratic Liberal Party and Unity Fiji say they no longer have confidence in the independence, impartiality and credibility of the Chairman of the Electoral Commission Suresh Chandra and the Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem.

Representatives of five political parties at a joint press conference

In a joint press conference, they made it clear that they doubt the ability of the Chairman of the Electoral Commission and the Supervisor of Elections to deliver free, fair and credible elections for Fiji in 2018.

The parties have raised issues which they want the Supervisor of Elections to consider.

NFP Vice President Seini Nabou

NFP Vice President Seini Nabou says they have been told that the Electoral Commission is under no legal obligation to show the ballot papers to the party agents during the count.

Mohammed Saneem says party agents will definitely be allowed and as has been the practice in the past, they will be allowed to stand next to the table where the count takes place.