People’s Alliance cannot disassociate itself from activities that breach electoral laws in the country - Sayed-Khaiyum

FijiFirst General Secretary, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the People’s Alliance cannot disassociate itself from activities that breach electoral laws in the country while the People's Alliance assures its members and supporters here in Fiji and abroad that the party stands ever ready to defend whatever allegations and accusations that the FijiFirst may throw its way.

While speaking on the 19 page complaint submitted to the Fijian Elections Office, Sayed-Khaiyum says the provisional candidate, Sajal Narayan’s posts also include the People’s Alliance Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka and provisional candidates at the events where there have been alleged vote buying activities.

Sayed-Khaiyum says in order to achieve a free and fair election, and ultimately protect its integrity, it is imperative that all political parties and all stakeholders are compliant with all laws surrounding elections, whether these are for political donations, fundraising activities, political promises and financial commitments or publication of any campaign material and political promises.

He says the FijiFirst remains committed to working with the Fijian Elections Office, in the interest of all Fijians, and in order to achieve free, fair, transparent and credible elections, which are in compliance with the Constitution, all electoral laws and international best practices.

Sayed-Khaiyum says they are of the view that the People’s Alliance must be severely dealt with and bear the full brunt of the law. Meanwhile Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem confirms they have received the complaint from the FijiFirst and they will now put it through the normal complaints handling mechanism.

While responding to Sayed-Khaiyum’s complaints, the People’s Alliance says like everyone else in Fiji, the party was only made aware of the Minister for Elections and General Secretary of the Fiji First Party Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum's new litany of complaints against the party in a media announcement he made overnight.

It says for now, the People's Alliance has not received any formal letter of complaint either from Sayed-Khaiyum or from the Fijian Elections Office.

It further says until they do, the party will reserve its comments and response.