NFP says Hiroshi Taniguchi’s proposed candidacy revoked

National Federation Party Leader, Professor Biman Prasad says NFP has today rescinded the proposed candidacy of Hiroshi Taniguchi for publishing on his personal website statements that have never been policies of the party since its inception 59 years ago.

Professor Prasad says nobody is above the party.

He says the NFP’s directive to all proposed candidates was for them not to publish, print or make any statements on any policy matters that violate the NFP’s Constitution, principles and its vision statement for the forthcoming elections.

The NFP Leader says despite the directive, Taniguchi went ahead and talked about civil service, land management, taxation and other policy areas.

Professor Prasad says following the publication of the contents of his website by The Fiji Sun, both the Party President, who is the Chair of the Management Board and he, contacted Taniguchi to seek an explanation.

He says in doing so, they started a process that eventually led to Taniguchi being informed last night that he would no longer be a proposed candidate.

A letter by NFP President, Pio Tikoduadua informing Taniguchi of the decision was conveyed to him this morning.

Professor Prasad stresses that it is absolutely vital for all proposed candidates to strictly adhere to the party’s policy matters, vision and electoral laws.

He says Taniguchi chose to do otherwise. He says Taniguchi chose to advocate policies that never was, is or will ever be, espoused by NFP, and it has swiftly resulted in the termination of his proposed candidacy.

We are currently trying to speak to Taniguchi.