SODELPA's GS denies claims of financial ineptitude

The General Secretary of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has refuted allegations of misappropriating party finances and breaching party finance policies.

Internal communications obtained by the Fiji Sun from a former party staff member addressed to party executives called for an internal investigation into the allegations against Viliame Takayawa.

The complainant alleges that although Mr Takayawa consistently emphasised the importance of recording and receipting all money received at the headquarters, he allegedly failed to deposit funds into the party's bank account on several occasions.

According to the complainant, Mr Takayawa violated the party's finance policy, which stipulates: "In general, deposits are made as necessary or as they occur. All funds are to be deposited into the party's operating account or the projects account with the official deposit book. All deposits shall be made as soon as practicable but not later than three (3) business days after the date of receipt."

Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) general secretary Viliame Takayawa. Photo: Leon Lord

"I have always ensured that all money coming in is receipted, and that is our first line of defence," Mr Takayawa said.

"If I tell them not to receipt it then that's the problem. I am always the one ensuring that money is receipted. Before, that was not practiced.

"I always tell them and remind them to receipt money."

He further characterised the individual making the claims as a disgruntled staff member suspended from the party and currently under investigation.

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