FEO warns false election claims could lead to fines of up to $50,000 and jail time

The Fijian Elections Office has warned that people who publish or share false information about Fiji's electoral processes could face fines of up to $50,000, five years' imprisonment, or both.

The warning follows the circulation of what the FEO described as false and misleading claims about the National Register of Voters and other electoral processes.

In a statement, the FEO said it remained confident in the integrity of its electoral systems and assured the public that the National Register of Voters was maintained in strict accordance with Fiji's electoral laws.

The office said it welcomed public scrutiny and informed discussion but urged people to ensure any claims were based on credible evidence and verified information.

The FEO said it would consider applying Section 144A(1) of the Electoral Act 2014, which prohibits the publication of information known, or reasonably believed, to be false and likely to influence the outcome of an election or diminish public confidence in the Supervisor of Elections or the Electoral Commission.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of a $50,000 fine, five years' imprisonment, or both.

The FEO said voter registration was conducted in person using prescribed identification requirements and that the National Register of Voters was continuously updated through registration services, nationwide and overseas registration drives, and data verification exercises carried out with agencies including the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Immigration, Fiji National Provident Fund and the Fiji Corrections Service.

These checks include verifying records relating to deaths, citizenship status and other changes affecting voter eligibility.

The office said such verification exercises were conducted more frequently during an election period to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the register.

It also said it had assessed a number of recent claims relating to the National Register of Voters and other electoral processes and found they were not supported by the facts.

The FEO assured the public that voter registration, election systems and the assignment of voters to polling stations were administered in accordance with electoral laws and established operational procedures, with continuous verification and oversight.

The office encouraged the public to obtain electoral information through its official communication channels and seek clarification before publishing or sharing information.

It said responsible sharing of accurate information was essential to maintaining public confidence in Fiji's electoral process.