FEO rejects $2 million demand notice as legally baseless

The Fijian Elections Office (FEO) has rejected a $2 million demand notice, describing the proposed legal action against the Supervisor of Elections, four officers and the organisation as without legal or factual basis.

In a statement, the FEO confirmed its legal representative, Shailend Krishna of Krishna & Co Lawyers, had formally responded to and rejected the demand notice issued on June 29, 2026, alleging malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office.

The FEO said the proposed claims were unsustainable in law and maintained its officers had acted in good faith and in accordance with their statutory responsibilities.

It said the legal response argued the demand failed to establish the legal requirements necessary to sustain claims of malicious prosecution or misfeasance in public office.

The FEO also stated that an acquittal in criminal proceedings did not automatically give rise to civil liability against public officers carrying out their official duties.

The response further noted that decisions relating to criminal investigations and prosecutions were made independently by the Fiji Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions under Fiji's constitutional framework.

It also referred to the statutory protections provided to FEO officers under Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2014 for acts undertaken in the bona fide exercise, or attempted exercise, of their statutory powers, functions and duties.

The FEO said the demand had been rejected in its entirety.

It further described the demand as "not only an abuse of process but is bordering on extortion of monies against the FEO as well as the officers mentioned in the notice."

The FEO said that if legal proceedings were commenced, it and the officers concerned would defend the matter through the proper legal process while continuing to carry out their statutory responsibilities in accordance with the law.

It said it remained committed to carrying out its constitutional and statutory responsibilities impartially, professionally and without fear or favour, adding that maintaining public confidence in Fiji's electoral system remained its foremost priority.