Pro Prasad says they have the right to take any action against those media that are biased against them

The National Federation Party says all their conferences are live on social media and as a party, they have the right to take any action against those media that are biased against them.

Responding to claims that NFP has been denying certain media organisations from attending their press conferences, Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad says the media organisations that are complaining have always been marginally or partially reporting on their statements.

He questioned the two media organisations about how they have treated the National Federation Party over the last eight years as he claims that many times they twisted and make the extra effort to put the party in a bad light.

Pro Prasad says he has told the two media organisations if they state publicly that they treat every political party the same way, NFP will talk to them.

He adds they also have evidence on many occasions that those media organisations that are complaining have twisted, turned and reported partially on what they have said.

The NFP Leader says they stand for media freedom and also for fair media coverage.

The Fijian Media Association says political parties and Governments cannot preach media freedom but practice something else.

The FMA has labelled the action taken by NFP as unacceptable as it raises concerns and questions about their commitment to media freedom and recognising that the media provides for different perspectives and alternative views on issues and policies.

The Association adds for a free and fair election and a thriving democratic society, the media must be given access to all political parties' press conferences and events.

Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, when questioned on the issue by Fiji Sun on them not being allowed in press conferences for NFP, highlighted that he is concerned this is happening, and in the interest of a free and fair election, political parties should give access to all media to report on their activities.

He says they also notice very direct access for some political parties to certain media organisations and limited access to others.

Saneem says those are the things that change the balance of reporting, and they have lately seen the same newspaper engaging in a lot of political commentaries.

He adds their senior reporters are failing to understand the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The Supervisor says he will keep a close eye on this, and all political parties must give equal access to all media and at the same time, all media should give equal coverage and access to all political parties.