No election campaign restrictions in force yet: SOE

Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa says no legal campaign restrictions are currently in force despite growing public concern that political parties have already begun campaigning ahead of the next general election.

Ms Mataiciwa clarified yesterday that restrictions under the Electoral Act 2014 would only apply once the Electoral Commission formally announces the official campaign period.

“Once the campaign period is announced by the Electoral Commission, then the provisions on the Electoral Act, on the restriction and so forth, activates,” she said.

“Right now there is no announcement. Once announcement is done, then all the provisions will be activated, and that’s when we’ll start monitoring.”

Under the Electoral Act 2014, the campaign period cannot begin earlier than 30 days before the completion of three years and six months since Parliament first sat after the last general election.

The campaign period must also be officially published by the Electoral Commission in the Government Gazette.

Once declared, it becomes unlawful for any individual or organisation receiving foreign government funding to participate in campaign-related activities, including debates, public forums, meetings or publishing election-related material.

Breaches carry penalties of up to $50,000 in fines, 10 years imprisonment, or both.

Ms Mataiciwa said the earliest possible writ date, which formally triggers the election process, could be June 24, placing the general election on August 7, 2026.

The latest possible election date would be February 6, 2027.

She urged Fijians to remain focused and prepare for the upcoming elections.