Party General Secretary Frederick Babitu Kataiwai says the launch was initially scheduled for last month but was postponed due to certain circumstances.
He says the party had applied for a permit for the launch at that time, but had to cancel the event.
Kataiwai says when they planned to hold the launch today, they had already approached the Suva City Council to use the Civic Centre, and the Council informed them that they did not need a permit to hold a meeting at one of its facilities.
He says they were only told that a permit would be required if the gathering was being held in a public space.
The General Secretary says this morning they received a call from Totogo Police Station asking them to meet with police.
The Central Divisional Police Commander then informed them that if there was no permit, police would come and close the meeting.
He says they tried to discuss the matter with police, but police cited the Public Order Act 1969.
Kataiwai says it was frustrating for him because these are the very outdated laws that the party is coming in to reform.
He adds that they wanted to go ahead with their programme today, but they are law-abiding citizens, and proceeding without the required permit could also reflect badly on the party.
The General Secretary says they will not hold the launch today, but will instead have a listening tour with supporters who have turned up this morning.
He says this will give them an opportunity to hear from supporters about what they expect from the party, as well as provide a time for them to socialise.
Kataiwai says they were also supposed to name another 10 proposed candidates today and launch their manifesto, but these announcements will be made later on the party’s social media pages.
