Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has told parliament that none of the multinational observer groups have said that the 2014 and 2018 elections were not credible after SODELPA MP, Adi Litia Qionibaravi made claims that the opposition holds strong views that the 2014 and 2018 elections were rigged.
While debating on the Review of the Fijian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2014, Sayed-Khaiyum says the elections were done fair and square.
Qionibaravi says opposition parties would like to enter into dialogue with government to consider the review of the electoral laws.
While making his contribution, Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau says the Opposition are sitting in parliament for the last six years and continue to attack the electoral laws.
Koroilavesau says all over the world, candidates have not stood for elections when they do not agree to electoral conditions or regulations.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says the Electoral Commission through the Fijian Elections Office plays a significant role through regular revision and assessment of the national register of voters and Fiji’s population which will ascertain the number of representation in parliament.
Bainimarama says this is unique to Fiji and the 2013 Constitution allowed for that.
He adds parliament should acknowledge the hard work of the Commission.
NFP Leader Biman Prasad says as the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights states it is important that a special parliamentary committee is established to review the entire electoral process.
He further says every institution in the country is accountable to parliament.
Prasad says he thanks the Committee for the bold recommendations.
SODLEPA Leader Viliame Gavoka says he was concerned with the number of people that did not turn up to vote in the 2018 elections.
Gavoka says as a former business executive he always measures success by the participation of people.
