National Federation Party (NFP) provisional candidate Hiroshi Taniguchi has had his candidacy revoked. Mr Taniguchi said he received calls at 9pm from party president Pio Tikoduadua and leader Biman Prasad.

“They told me it was in regards to the news article you (Fiji Sun reporter) wrote. I am not blaming you and you don’t have to feel any responsibility because that is what I said,” Mr Taniguchi said.

“Biman is always complaining about dictatorship in Fiji which Mr Bainimarama is doing, but his dictatorship is very serious. I am not even free to say anything.”

“I have received 1800 messages from my supporters and 95 per cent of them are very positive.”

According to a statement by Mr Prasad, Mr Taniguchi published statements on his personal websites that have never been policies of the party since its inception 59 years ago.

“The NFP’s directive to all proposed candidates was for them not to publish, print or make any statements on any policy matters that violate the NFP’s Constitution, principles and its vision statement for the forthcoming elections,” Mr Prasad’s statement said.

“Despite the directive, Taniguchi went ahead and talked about civil service, land management, taxation and other policy areas.”

“Following the publication of the contents of his website on Tuesday by the Fiji Sun, both the Party President, who is the Chair of the Management Board and I, contacted Taniguchi to seek an explanation.”

Mr Prasad’s statement said a letter by Mr Tikoduauda informing Mr Taniguchi of the decision to revoke his candidacy was conveyed to him yesterday morning.

Mr Prasad’s statement also said that NFP proposed candidates were thoroughly briefed on all policy matters, electoral laws and the party’s vision statement for the forthcoming elections.

“And all of them were clearly told the meaning of their status as Proposed Candidates, with the party leadership emphasising that this didn’t guarantee their endorsement as provisional candidates, which they only become when their nominations are filed with the Supervisor of Elections during the nomination period,” Mr Prasad’ statement said.

“This makes it absolutely vital for all proposed candidates to strictly adhere to the party’s policy matters, vision and electoral laws.

“Hiroshi Taniguchi chose to do otherwise. He chose to advocate policies that never was, is or will ever be, espoused by NFP. And it has swiftly resulted in the termination of his proposed candidacy. Nobody is above the Party.”

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