SODELPA has complied with Section 116 (4C) of the Electoral Act after the Office of the Supervisor of Elections acknowledged their receipt of their correspondence in relation to the complaint by the FijiFirst Party and the Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, in his reply has stated that the written explanation provided by SODELPA was sufficient for the purposes to close the complaint.
SODELPA General Secretary Lenaitasi Duru says they had responded to the SOE in relation to the complaint lodged by the Attorney-General, Minister for Elections and General Secretary of FijiFirst, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for alleged breaches of Section 116 (4C) of the Electoral Act.
Duru says they have responded to the Registrar with respect to a complaint by FijiFirst on alleged breaches of Section 116 (4C) of the Electoral Act regarding a statement made by one of their provisional candidates, Faith Grace in a Fiji Sun article titled “Grace Wants to Fight for the Less Fortunate” on the 6th of September, 2022.
He says the comments made by Grace are in line with the policy of the party with respect to education and in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, SODELPA has been able to furnish its budget costing as to how the party will finance its commitments.
The SODELPA General Secretary says SODELPA is fortunate to have the able leadership of Party Leader, Bill Gavoka that has allowed them to become the first political party contesting the 2022 general election to launch its manifesto together with its budget costing in compliance with the relevant electoral law.
The Fiji Sun article quoted Grace about TELS Debt forgiveness.
The party says a SODELPA Government will write off the TELS Scholarship Debt because it is not a form of government revenue collection for them.
SODELPA says this will allow all our young people to start off their career debt free and to promote free education up to tertiary studies whether in academics or Higher Education or in Technical, Vocational Educational Training (TEVT) otherwise known as Trades Upskilling.
The party says the qualifications will be accredited to Australia, New Zealand and Regional /International standards so that our young graduates can qualify for skilled trades abroad.
According to the party's manifesto, free tertiary education covers all levels of study through Certificate 1, 2, 3 and 4 level studies, Diploma and Trade Diploma level right up to the Degree level.
Section 116 (4C) of the Electoral Act states:
If— (a) a political party;
(b) a candidate for election to Parliament; or
(c) any other person representing, or acting under the direction of, the political party or candidate, makes a financial commitment, whether orally or in writing, the political party, candidate or other person must immediately provide a written explanation setting out the following information—
(i) how revenue for the financial commitment is to be raised;
(ii) how expenditure for the financial commitment is to be made;
(iii) how expenditure is to be allocated to different sectors and budget sector agencies; and (iv) if expenditure exceeds revenue, how the deficit is to be financed.
