National Federation Party (NFP) leader Biman Prasad was caught out in Parliament yesterday. This happened when he claimed inaction by the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) and the Electoral Commission after NFP lodged a complaint against the Attorney General and Minister for Elections Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Mr Prasad claimed the FEO and Electoral Commission did not take any action into the complaint because Mr Sayed-Khaiyum was also responsible for the FEO budget.

However, Supervisor of Election, Mohammed Saneem, said allegations made by Mr Prasad in Parliament were not only unsubstantiated, but false. Mr Saneem said the NFP has made no complaints to the FEO since the campaign period started on April 26, 2022.

Supervisor of Elections

The FEO only received one complaint from NFP. Mr Saneem said the complaint lodged on March 21 lacked legal basis, therefore no actions could be taken.

“The same was explained to the NFP by FEO’s letter dated March 28, 2022. The NFP did not dispute this as it did not appeal this decision,” he said.

“In any event, all political parties must ensure the complaints they make are arising from the operation of the law. “I will not be able to action any complaint if it does not have any legal basis,” he said.

Mr Prasad

Mr Prasad said Mr Sayed-Khaiyum was the secretary general and registered officer of FijiFirst and the Minister for Elections.

He said the Government had put in place some stupid law to punish the Opposition.

“They want to continue dictatorship in this country,” he said.

“They are pushing the people and political parties to the wall, the wondrous requirements some of the law.”

“This Bill should be withdrawn. This is not right, its tempering democracy in this country.”

“They have not entered into any serious discussion with any opposition party, we cannot support this motion,” he added.

When questioned how many complaints the party made against Mr Sayed-Khaiyum to FEO, Mr Prasad said he was not able to talk to the Fiji Sun.

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