Party Backers Query Fund Use

They question the receipts, expenditure, accounting of how $300,000 was spent

Details are emerging of dissatisfaction within the ranks of the Social Democratic Liberal Party’s (SODELPA) overseas-based financial supporters about how the party’s affairs are managed by Party general secretary Adi Litia Qionibaravi. SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka has washed his hands of all financial matters, referring all questions to Adi Litia.

Adi Litia, for her part, has threatened to sue the Fiji

Sun and any sources to safeguard her reputation. When contacted yesterday Mr Rabuka said: “I don’t know anything about it. I, as the Party leader, do not handle finances.

“It is the general secretary and the treasurer and people need to raise this with the general secretary,

she handles all money. If you look at our structure, the party leader does not handle campaign funds too.”

Mr Rabuka hung up before further questions could be asked.

Adi Litia in her response, which she uncharacteristically copied to two other media as well, said: “As Registered Officer of the Party since 2016, it is my duty to ensure compliance with all laws and Decrees. The party’s finances and records are audited annually in accordance with requirements of the Political Parties Decree 2013.

“Our accounts are submitted to the Elections Office annually, and published in the newspapers, in accordance with the Decree. SODELPA meets the stringent requirements of the Decree and has done so since it was registered in 2013.

“The party has been audited by Naiveli & Associates since 2013 and by the Auditor General for the 2016 Accounts similar to all other Political Parties upon the request of the Supervisor of Elections, an authority he is granted under the Decree.”

She, however, did not state whether the audit report had a caveat which stated that some receipts had not been sighted.

Our accounts are submitted to the Elections Office annually, and published in the newspapers, in accordance with the Decree. SODELPA meets the stringent requirements of the Decree and has done so since it was registered in 2013. Adi Litia Qionibaravi, SODELPA general secretary.

What is being alleged?

Questions are being asked about the receipt, expenditure and accounting for approximately $300,000 that was sent to the party by overseas donors to fund its 2018 General Election campaign. Questions are also being asked from within the party why money is being spent on local travel when a vehicle was bought from money sent from overseas supporters for party use. The vehicle is the subject of a query because at one stage it was allegedly being driven by a person who has been earmarked as the chief strategist of the party, for personal use.

Fiji Sun was sent details from the overseasbased supporters showing part of the money they sent. These include:

1. Registration fee – $US3920; 2. Car repair, new car insurance and Land Transport Authority fees – $US1607.39;

3. Reimbursement for car – $US15,809; and

4. Money for media campaign - $US45,035

Records kept by overseas SODELPA supporters have made them wary about whether the money has been used properly for the party’s purposes. They are seeking official justifications from the Party.

Two sources who wish to remain anonymous at this stage say they are working to gather all information before they take the matter to the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption.

What can FICAC do?

Citing their Party Leader’s case in court last year, complainants who claim to be financial members of SODELPA allege that the party’s continued failure to furnish them with proper accounting information for their verification is a breach of electoral laws and the Party’s own constitutional requirements.

They intend to forward their records and lodge a formal complaint with FICAC if nothing eventuates from the party.

Edited by Epineri Vula