Kumar on suspended sentence for interfering with woman’s right to vote

A man from Suva was handed a suspended sentence yes­terday for interfering with the free exercise of the political right of a woman over the age of 80.

The accused, Ronal Kumar, 32, was charged with one count each of offences in relation to ballot pa­pers and undue influence.

On September 3, 2014 he marked a vote by circling the number 279 on the ballot paper that was issued to one Satya Wati Ram in her pres­ence.

In doing so Kumar interfered with the free exercise of Ms Ram’s po­litical right. Kumar was convicted in the Suva Magistrates Court on September 29, 2017 for both counts.

While sentencing him, Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage said the pre­scribed penalty for both counts was a fine not exceeding $50,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceed­ing 10-years or both.

Kumar’s clear record was consid­ered including the total criminality of his actions.

He was sentenced to seven months imprisonment suspended for two years and he was ordered to pay a fine of $500 in default of 50 days im­prisonment for both counts. Kumar was given 28 days to appeal.

He was represented by private lawyer, Parnish Kumar.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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