The Labasa Magistrates Court on Monday handed down suspended sentences to three individuals convicted of breaching the Electoral Act.

Resident Magistrate Senileba Levaci sentenced Ritesh Dayal and Sanju Sharma to 18 months imprisonment and Sukh Singh was sentenced to fifteen months imprisonment, all of which is suspended for two years.

The three are also required to pay a fine of $200.00 within 30 days or face an extra 20 days in prison.

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) charged Dayal and Sharma with one count each of Contravention of Campaign Rules for preventing the display of a FijiFirst poster, while Singh was charged with Aiding and Abetting the two accused in 2014.

The three also received a  third count of breaching the  Non-Interference in Campaign regulation as their actions hindered lawful campaign activity.

In her ruling, Ms Levaci said the Court strongly denounced these forms of offences and that Electoral laws are implemented to ensure proper procedures are followed not just by the election candidates but also by the members of the public.

Ms Levaci further emphasised that the sentencing given sho uld discourage offences similar in nature from reoccurring and urged members of the community to comply and adhere to the Election laws.  28 days was given for Appeal.

(FICAC)