People gathering signatures for the establishment of former Parliamentarian Sitiveni Rabuka’s proposed political party were asked by Police to leave a concert at Ratu Sukuna Park.

The park was the venue for the Tropical Cyclone Yasa Appeal Concert which started at 11am yesterday. The proposed party supporters had asserted themselves at the Park. Mr Rabuka confirmed that they were there to collect signatures.

Under the Registration of Political Parties Act, a proposed political party needs 5000 signatures to support its registration.

Fiji Police Force spokesperson Savaira Tabua said the supporters of the new proposed party were asked to leave for safety reasons.

She said the venue was for the concert aimed at raising funds for those affected by Cyclone Yasa.

She said with the crowd coming in, they took the best step to ensure there was safety for the public including the supporters of the political party.

She said they did not stop them from collecting signatures elsewhere.

Registrar of Political Parties Mohammed Saneem said the party supporters had the constitutional right to collect signatures provided they abided by the instructions of the lawful authority.

The supporters who were removed from Ratu Sukuna Park opted not to comment.

Meanwhile, people turned up in numbers to support the concert organised by the Fiji Performing Rights Association. It featured local famous artists like Savuto Vakadewavosa, Aggie Vakaloloma, Vude Queen Laisa Vulakoro, Seru Serevi, Saimoni Vuatalevu, Knox and Georgina Ledua, to name a few.

As of yesterday afternoon, it is understood that the concert had raised more than $10,000.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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