As the campaign period is underway for the next General Elections, Government MP and National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad says he does not believe the government is in caretaker mode and that, as a matter of principle, it can only enter caretaker mode after Parliament is dissolved, while Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party Leader Savenaca Narube claim that vote buying happens during the elections period.
While responding to a question by Suva lawyer, Barbara Malimali on whether government spending should be subject to Electoral Commission oversight during the campaign period to improve transparency, accountability and prevent vote buying, Professor Prasad says in the previous constitutions, there was a provision for caretaker government but there is none in the 2013 Constitution or the electoral laws.
The former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance says the campaign period has already begun under electoral laws, which contain provisions governing the conduct of political parties and those seeking election to Parliament.
Government MP and People's Alliance Party Deputy Leader Manoa Kamikamica says the last thing Fiji needs is to slow down the rate at which assistance and support are delivered to meet the needs of the people.
INSERT: Kamikamica on EC 11 jun
Former Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says a budget is going to be delivered, as it is the government's right to do so and funding is needed to carry the country beyond the end of the financial year on 31st July.
INSERT: ASK on tricks of the trade 11 jun
He also attacked Malimali, saying that as the FICAC Commissioner, she got rid of somebody's complaint about vote buying using their own money, where the people are giving groceries.
Meanwhile, Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry says the government's expenditure must be scrutinised and the Electoral Commission must play a role in this because, no doubt, there are instances of vote buying.
INSERT: Chaudhry on vote buying 11 jun
The Former Prime Minister says there should definitely be more monitoring and the current government must be in the shape of a caretaker government.
Unity Fiji Leader Savenaca Narube says political parties should be held accountable, but the law is silent and does not require a sitting government to be accountable to an independent body that can examine its policies.
He also claims that vote buying is taking place using taxpayers' money.
The former Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor welcomes reforms to allow all political parties, particularly in government, to show the people what they are spending money on.
The 2026-2027 National Budget will be announced on the 26th of June.
The earliest date for the Writ of Elections to be issued by the President is the 24th of this month and the last possible date is the 24th of December.
The next general elections can be held on any date between 7th August 2026 to 6th February 2027.
