FLP launches election campaign, names first batch of proposed candidates

The Fiji Labour Party has launched its September 17th General Election campaign with the announcement of their first batch of proposed candidates.

FLP leader Mahendra Chaudry announced the candidates which include party President Lavinia Padarath, former parliamentarians Monica Raghwan, Vyas Deo Sharma, Mohammed Tahir, Ratu Filimoni Ralogaivau, Udit Narayan, Narendra Padarath, Damodar Nair and Surendra Lal.

Academic and former permanent secretary for Land Dr Rohit Kishore, former journalist and school teacher Kini Maraiwai, Fiji Sports Council board member and former Suva City councillor Rupeni Silimaibau, retired Police Officer Sekaia Suluka who arrested Mahendra Chaudry in Ra in 2010, accountant Arvind Datt, former national soccer rep Solomone Catarogo, businesswoman Laisa Bale, lawyer Mohammed Anwar Khan, businesswoman Roserine Lagi, retired education officer Hari Krishna, taxi operator Josaia Waqabaca, retired school teacher Pratap Sen, community worker Tula Ram, landowner Reverend Joji Koroiwaca, accountant Kamlesh Chandra, farmer Parash Ram Somiya, retired civil servant Karam Bidesi, retired Policeman Deo Narayan and businessman Ahmendra Prasad were also announced.

The next batch of proposed candidates will be announced next month.

Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudry will file his application to contest the September 17th General Election.

Chaudhry made the announcement in Vatuwaqa today.

He said he will see what happens because he is seeking legal advice on the issue.

He added he will lead the party in the election.

Chaudhry was found guilty of all three counts of breaching the Exchange Control Act by High Court Judge Justice Paul Madigan last month.

Chaudhry's conviction was also recorded which means that he is ineligible to contest the 2014 general election.

The former Prime Minister was fined FJD$2 million and he has to pay the fine by the 30th of this month.

Meanwhile, also present at the launch today were Social Democratic and Liberal Party leader Ro Teimumu Kepa and Dr Tupeni Baba.

About 200 supporters, families and friends were present at the campaign launch today.