Writ Of Election Issued Today
The President, Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote, will issue the writ of election at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva at 10am today.
This after Major-General (Ret’d) Konrote dissolved Parliament yesterday in accordance with Section 58(3) of the Fijian Constitution, on the advice of the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Based on this time frame the election will be held on November 14.
Speaking to the Fiji Sun, political party leaders welcomed the dissolution of Parliament and the timely issuing of the writ of election.
Social Democratic Liberal Party Leader Sitiveni Rabuka said: “We welcome this and it is good to see that Government is acting within the stipulation of the Constitution and electoral regulations.
“I think everybody will have to set the nominations within the next 14 days, then wait for the numbers and then go out and campaign.
“The writ is yet to come, we had anticipated it and we have a 44 to 51-day plan, depending on the date of election.”
HOPE (Humanity Opportunity Prosperity and Equality) Party Leader Tupou Draunidalo said they were glad that finally the writ will be issued and “Fiji can get on to our next democratic election”.
When questioned on the announcement of their candidates, she said: “We will announce it close to the deadline and probably will show who we are just as we are about to make our way to the supervisor with our nominations.”
FREEDOM Alliance Party President Jagath Karunaratne said they were aware that the writ would be issued this week.
“This is because the election has to happen before the 21st, so it has to be issued this week,” he said.
“As far as the next step is concerned from our side we need to finalise our candidates, which we have already done, and then organise logistics this week to make sure that the applications are lodged in time and finalise all requirements and then step up and campaign.”
Mr Karunaratne confirmed that the party would announce its candidates this week.
Unity Fiji Secretary General Satish Kumar said: “We are very pleased to see the development taking place and, of course, every political party was waiting for this day when Parliament will be dissolved and most importantly when the writ is issued.
“It is the beginning of the electoral process. We are all looking forward and, of course, the race begins from tomorrow.”
He added that they were excited and at the same time they were looking forward to the progress from each and every party in terms of the filing of the writ, the nomination of candidates, the appeal process, finalisation of candidates, candidate numbers and so forth.
“It’s quite exciting and interesting times ahead,” Mr Kumar said.
He confirmed that Unity Fiji would announce their candidates this week.
Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry said: “This was expected this week. We now wait for the writ to be published and the processes are all clear on what follows after the writ.
“Now the political parties will be busy with whatever they have to do between now and polling day.”
Edited by Epineri Vula
Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj
