Proposed One Nation applies for political party registration

The proposed One Nation party has submitted its application for registration as a political party to the Registrar of Political Parties today.

Registrar Ana Mataiciwa said the proposed party had previously applied under the name FijiansFirst, but the application was rejected because the name closely resembled the deregistered FijiFirst party.

Under Section 8(h)(iii) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013, the Registrar must refuse registration if a proposed party’s name, abbreviation, acronym or symbol is likely to be confused with that of a deregistered political party.

Ms Mataiciwa confirmed preparations were now underway to publish One Nation’s application in a newspaper and the Fiji Government Gazette, as required under the Act.

Once published, the statutory objections period will officially begin.

“During the objections period, any person may submit a written objection to the Registrar regarding the party’s application for registration. The Registrar will assess and determine all objections within seven (7) days of receipt after giving the proposed party an opportunity to respond,” Ms Mataiciwa said.

She said the Registrar would determine whether the proposed One Nation met all legal requirements under the Act before deciding whether the party would be officially registered.

Ms Mataiciwa reiterated the importance of transparency and public participation in the political party registration process.

She said the process ensured all proposed parties complied with legal requirements while allowing members of the public the opportunity to raise objections under the law.