SODELPA has been suspended for 60 days after breaching the Political Parties Act – Mohammed Saneem

Registrar of Political Parties, Mohammed Saneem has suspended SODELPA for 60 days as it has failed to conduct its management board meeting as per their constitution.

Saneem says this is a clear breach of the Political Parties Act.

He says failure to remedy this breach would result in the deregistration of the party.

Saneem has rejected both applications filed by purported Acting General Secretary of SODELPA (in suspension), Emele Duituturaga and purported Acting General Secretary of the now-suspended party, Adi Litia Qionibaravi.

[Emele Duituturaga and Adi Litia Qionibaravi - image: file]

This has been done as it was established that both meetings at Holiday Inn and Kshatriya Hall were not held according to the SODELPA (in suspension) constitution where the purported appointments were made.

Saneem also says the quorum was also not met in both meetings.

Fijivillage, can confirm that the meeting at Kshatriya Hall was attended by Adi Litia, Sitiveni Rabuka, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Mitieli Bulanauca, Mosese Bulitavu, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Peceli Rinakama and other members.

[The meeting at Kshatriya Hall - image: Sainiana Radrodro]

Ro Teimumu Kepa, Lynda Tabuya, Tanya Waqanika, Aseri Radrodro, Emele Duituturaga, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, Viliame Gavoka and other members attended the meeting at the Holiday Inn.

[The meeting at Holiday Inn - image: Sainiana Radrodro]

Saneem also highlighted that there are multiple versions of the SODELPA (in suspension) constitution after an approach was made to the Registrar of Political Parties.

The Registrar says a complaint was received from Watisoni Nata on 19th May this year regarding purported amendments and fraudulent activity in terms of the suspended party’s constitution. Saneem says it was noted that Nata annexed six versions of the party constitution that had been made available to party officials in their meetings and other activities by Adi Litia.

He says there were other versions of the party’s constitution circulating, which the Registrar had no knowledge of.

Saneem says some of these versions had parts of the party constitution missing, and he says this was concerning as Adi Litia Qionibaravi had circulated those versions.

He says it is now unclear which version of the party’s constitution is the correct document.

Saneem also says Nata has said that the omissions in the suspended party’s constitution was designed to help the case of Sitiveni Rabuka to remain in office.

Saneem is also leaving it to relevant authorities as this could also be seen as uttering a forged document. He also says that the position of the party’s Treasurer has been vacant for some time.

The Registrar states that the suspended party is required to submit the documents containing the list of office holders in January on an annual basis but it had not done so for this year.

Saneem says the party’s constitution is very clear that in absence of the party President, the management board can fill the vacancy by appointing one of the Vice Presidents to take up the role.

Duituturaga was earlier given until midday today to provide her response, if any, after the Registrar of Political Parties received a dispute to the application for substitution of Duituturaga’s name as the Registered Officer of the party by Adi Litia Qionibaravi.

Qionibaravi also disputed the list of officeholders of the party that purportedly signed in support of Duituturaga.

Saneem said in interests of natural justice, he had, on a priority basis, forwarded the particulars of the dispute to Duituturaga to seek her response.

FICAC receives complaint from a member of SODELPA (in suspension)

FICAC confirms that it has received a complaint from a member of SODELPA (in suspension).

This is in relation to revelation that there are multiple versions of the suspended party’s constitution.

Registrar of Political Parties, Mohammed Saneem has said this could also be seen as uttering a forged document.

We have asked FICAC whether an investigation will commence in this regard.

It is expected to confirm this later.

We will work in unity- Rabuka

Sitiveni Rabuka says they will take a united approach to resolve issues in their suspended party.

Rabuka says they had a meeting this afternoon and this was made very clear.

He says they have gone straight into action to try and carry out remedial actions.

He says they will submit a report that will be constitutionally sustainable.

Rabuka also talked about the different versions of the suspended party’s constitution.

We will hold the fort and wait for other members of the opposition to return – Prof. Biman Prasad

National Federation Party Leader, Professor Biman Prasad says they will hold the fort until SODELPA (in suspension) return.

Professor Prasad says the suspended party will return sooner than people expect.