Alvick Maharaj Appeals Party Deregistration
Mr Maharaj was approached at the Fijian Election Office on Friday where he acknowledged that his appeal was a matter of confidentiality and would not comment.
Saturday 27 July 2024 | 12:41
Deregistered FijiFirst Member of Parliament, Alvick Maharaj. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Deregistered FijiFirst Member of Parliament, Alvick Maharaj, on Friday faced the Electoral Commission.
Mr Maharaj is appealing against the decision made by the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa regarding the deregistration of FijiFirst party.
The party was deregistered on July 1, 2024.
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At the time, Ms Mataiciwa, while announcing the deregistration cited that she had acted in accordance with section 12(4) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding & Disclosures) Act, 2013. The party did not comply with the requirement of amending its constitution concerning addressing members’ grievances.
This deregistration basically caused havoc to a party that held political power for almost 16 years, Voreqe Bainimarama its Party Leader and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum both resigned which further implicated the political position of members that were in Parliament.
Members of the party were at least given 14 days to appeal the decision.
Mr Maharaj yesterday made an oral submission to the Electoral Commission and was accompanied by his legal counsel Kunal Singh of KS Law.
The Commission members include Barbara Malimali as chairperson, Ateca Ledua, Nalini Singh, Nemani Mati, Inoke Loganimoce, Reginald Jokhan and Dr Atu Emberson-Bain.
Mr Maharaj made a written submission on Wednesday.
Mr Maharaj wanted the Commission to review the decision made by Ms Mataiciwa.
Mr Maharaj had written to Ms Malimali on July 12.
Mr Maharaj was approached at the Fijian Election Office on Friday where he acknowledged that his appeal was a matter of confidentiality and would not comment.
“It’s in process at the moment, that’s all I can say,” Mr Maharaj said.
“It was close to two hours of deliberations, we have rules and procedures that I need to abide by.
“The appeal is before the Commission and there are legal aspects surrounding this.”
Other Opposition MPs who also exited the FEO building at Toorak, Suva, include Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu, Senior Opposition Members Premila Kumar, Jone Usamate, Sachida Nand, Virendra Lal and Vijay Nath,
When approached, Mr Seruiratu said: “We know nothing at all about the appeal, we were just outside, we did not hear anything.”
Instead, he pointed to Mr Maharaj to answer media queries.
Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj
