SODELPA fails to adhere, told to remove campaign materials

The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) has found that the Social Democratic and Liberal Party (SODELPA) has breached Section 116 of the Electoral Act in failing to ‘immediately’ publish the sources of funding for its proposed initiatives as part of its campaign for the 2022 General Election.

Section 116 (4C) of the Electoral Act states that:

“If—

(a) a political party;

(b) a candidate for election to Parliament; or

(c) any other person representing, or acting under the direction of, the political party or candidate, makes a financial commitment, whether orally or in writing, the political party, candidate or other person must immediately provide a written explanation setting out the following information—

(i) how revenue for the financial commitment is to be raised;

(ii) how expenditure for the financial commitment is to be made;

(iii) how expenditure is to be allocated to different sectors and budget sector agencies; and

(iv) if expenditure exceeds revenue, how the deficit is to be financed.”

Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem said: “Since the commencement of the campaign period, the FEO and the Electoral Commission have emphasised to all parties to adhere to the campaign rules and in this case, we found that despite publishing most of its campaign promises as early as 30 April 2022, SODELPA has failed to specify how they are going to fund the promises till to date.”

Mr Saneem further clarified that, “the law requires the political party to do so ‘immediately.’

Given that the breach has continued from as early as 30 April 2022, the Supervisor has today exercised powers under Section 116(4)(a) and directed SODELPA to remove the said campaign materials before 7pm on 24 June 2022.

SODELPA has also been referred to Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption for breach of the Electoral Act provisions.