The Registrar of Political Parties has noted discrepancies to the tune of $100,000 in the National Federation Party’s (NFP) accounts.

The Registrar, Mohammed Saneem, will meet NFP officials today at 2pm to address variances identified in the Disclosures against the Annual Audited Accounts.

When questioned on this further, Mr Saneem said: “As you will note from the Public Alert, the Registrar will be meeting with NFP officials tomorrow (today) at 2pm to sort out the variance.

“For now, based on the verification we have carried out, there is a variance of $103,049 in the accounts for the year 2018. The receipts provided by the party do not reconcile with the Annual Audited Account.

“We understand that the Fiji Sun has obtained copies of the disclosures and as such we urge you to exercise caution in relying on it until the Registrar makes further announcement.

“At this stage the Registrar will first take all necessary steps and efforts to ensure that accounts in the public record are accurate and correct reflection of the Finances of the Party,” Mr Saneem said.

Earlier yesterday, a statement released by the Registrar of Political Parties revealed: “The Registrar of Political Parties wishes to advise members of the public that have recently accessed the Financial Disclosures of the National Federation Party for the year 2018 from the Registrar’s Office that:

1. The Registrar will be meeting with the National Federation Party on 02 September, 2020 at 2pm to address variances that have been identified in the Disclosures as against the Annual Audited Accounts; and

2. Once the variances have been properly accounted in the disclosures and appropriate corrections made, members of the public will be able to access the most correct accounts of the Party. Announcements on this will be made once completed. Members of the Public are further advised to seek proper receipts from Political Parties for all donations made to Political Parties. This includes fundraiser events and any other form of activity that will generate an income for a political party. Political Parties must record the source of all the income they receive.”

NFP said: “We have not yet had the opportunity to clarify the Supervisor’s concerns. We will know more about them after we meet him. However, we reiterate that NFP has prepared and submitted to the Supervisor’s office fully audited accounts as required under law.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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